Making a difference in your community while leading a fulfilling career. Government careers are your ticket to contributing meaningfully to the public good. You could be shaping policy or improving public services – or any number of different avenues in which to use your skills. Let’s look at 14 exciting government careers to consider and spotlight the skills you need to succeed.

1. Policy analyst

Examine, assess and shape public policies. You’ll investigate the data, research trends and provide expert recommendations to government officials on the issues that matter. Your work can mean doing good for people becomes law. To thrive in this role, you need sharp analytical thinking to extract insights and top-notch communication skills to present your findings clearly. You could find government career opportunities in this field in federal or state departments, focusing on health, education or the environment.

Start with a Bachelor of Business (CRICOS 103012F).

2. Public affairs specialist

In this role, you’ll be the bridge between government agencies and the public. That means building relationships with the community. Being the go-to person for media outlets. And even handling crisis comms. It’s about ensuring the right information gets out – to the right people – clearly and accurately. With strong public speaking and media skills, you’ll often be the face of a government agency, whether a communication office or public information department.

Explore our Bachelor of Communication (CRICOS 0101020).

3. Urban planner

Design the future of cities. You’ll create land use plans that consider population growth and natural ecosystems to grow and revitalise communities and use resources wisely. You’ll need to hone strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to juggle different interests and make it work seamlessly. Urban planners often find jobs in local government, city planning departments or regional development agencies. You could shape the vibrant, sustainable cities of tomorrow.

Take your first step with a business course.

4. Intelligence analyst

Gather and analyse information to assess threats and protect national security. Your attention to detail and sharp critical thinking skills will help you evaluate complex data and spot crucial patterns. To keep people safe. You could work in national intelligence agencies, defence departments or homeland security, where your insights will make a real impact.

Protect data with our IT and computing courses.

5. Foreign service officer

Represent your country on the global stage. You’ll build strong diplomatic ties, promote trade and help your country’s citizens when they’re abroad. You’ll need to master cultural competency and negotiation props to connect with people from all walks of life – and advocate for national – and global – interests. Whether stationed in embassies, consulates or international organisations, this role puts you at the heart of international relations.

Lead the way with a business course.

6. Public health administrator

Lead the way in shaping health programs and policies to ensure communities get the necessary healthcare services and citizens can thrive. Both leadership and project management abilities will be key soft skills in your arsenal as you coordinate health initiatives and manage resources. You could find yourself working in health departments, public health agencies or community health programs, making a real impact every day.

Explore health courses.

7. Environmental scientist

Tackle environmental problems and create solutions to protect the planet. In this role, you’ll need strong research and data analysis skills as you’ll be conducting surveys and experiments and need to make sense of – and share – your findings to help shape policies that make a real difference, now and in the future. Roles are typically found within environmental protection and public land management agencies.

Check out our Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (CRICOS 103015C).

8. Economist

Dig into economic data and excavate the prime numbers that will influence policy. You’ll predict trends, advise on financial matters and use your skills in statistical analysis to interpret complex data and then offer valuable insights to government officials. You could work in treasury departments, labour departments, or economic advisory councils, part of the government apparatus that decides on economic policy.

Explore the possibilities with a business course.

9. Legislative assistant

Be the backbone of lawmaking: researching policy, drafting bills and engaging with constituents. Your expertise in research and legislation will keep you on top of current issues and processes, so your decisions can drive positive change. You’ll find these roles in federal or state legislatures, local councils or parliamentary offices.

Study our Bachelor or Laws.

10. Engineer

As an engineer, you could design, build and maintain vital community infrastructure. Think roads, bridges and water systems. You’ll be a project management gun, and your teamwork skills will be front and centre as you collaborate with diverse teams on major projects – that increasingly need to put sustainability at their heart. You’ll find opportunities in public works, transportation agencies and infrastructure planning offices.

Dive into our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

11. Human resources specialist

As an HR specialist in government, you’ll handle everything from recruitment to employee relations and organisational development. You’ll need a knack for conflict resolution plus organisational skills to help you navigate workplace dynamics and keep things running smoothly. You can find government careers in HR departments, employee relations offices, or labour relations agencies.

Specialise in human resources with our Bachelor of Business (CRICOS 103012F).

12. Social worker

Be on the front line, supporting and advocating for individuals and families facing tough challenges like poverty, addiction, or even disadvantage due to climate change. Your empathy and compassion will help you build trust and offer emotional support – while helping people access the services they need. Whether working in child welfare, family support or veterans’ affairs, your role is vital to building strong communities.

Discover our Bachelor of Social Work (CRICOS 025159D).

13. Archivist

We learn from the past, so managing and preserving crucial historical documents is important, ensuring future generations have access to key information. That’s where the job of an archivist comes in. Your attention to detail and organisational skills will be put to good use as you catalogue and maintain collections, whether working in national archives, public libraries or historical societies.

Discover information and library studies courses.

14. Cybersecurity specialist

Safeguard government information systems from threats – and keep data secure and confidential. You need sharp problem-solving skills and technical know-how to spot vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures. You’ll look to head threats off before they happen, but should a breach occur, you’ll be on the frontline, working fast to fix the problem and minimise the damage. You’ll find opportunities in cybersecurity agencies, defence departments and IT teams across government sectors.

Explore IT and computing courses.

Take the first step towards government careers

Government careers mean opportunities. If you want to serve the public and make a meaningful impact, there are possibilities across many fields of interest, from cyber and communication to social work and science.

The first step to getting the public service career you want? A Charles Sturt degree.