by About 46% of college students land a job in their field of study after they graduate. While bachelor’s degrees are a hot commodity, many employers look for those with a higher education.
The case is no different for entry-level public administration jobs. While many employers will give you a chance if you only have your bachelor’s, having an MPA will make you a more competitive candidate.
Pursuing a master’s is only one way to get your foot in the door. Check out this guide to learn more about landing your first job.
What Are the Qualifications for an Entry-Level Position?
The qualifications for an entry-level position is a bachelor’s degree in communications. You’ll also need 1-2 years of work experience in the public relations field. The good news is that most employers count internships as experience.
You will need soft skills on top of what you learn in school. All public administrators must have top-notch organizational skills and a keen eye for detail.
Some employers look for workers that are willing to travel for work. If you have a sense of wanderlust, it may give you a leg up.
- Have Your MPA
Having a bachelor’s degree will help with landing a job. However, with a bachelor’s your resume may get lost in a sea of other applicants.
A master’s of public administration degree from Notre Dame de Namur in California will help you stand out.
Not only will you qualify for an entry-level position, but you might land a higher pay rate. You’ll also build skills that will help you be successful.
- Pursue an Internship
As stated above, most employers count internships as work experience. If you make a good impression, the firm you intern with may hire you on the spot after you graduate.
If the firm doesn’t have a position open, they’ll probably be willing to act as a job reference.
While you may not feel like you’re getting paid enough to fetch coffee and do the grunt work, it will pay off if you take the time to get to know your boss and co-workers.
- Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor can do wonders for advancing your career. They can give advice that will help you break into the field.
They can also connect you with others within their network. That could help you land a job.
Mentors will also challenge you to develop skills beyond what you learned in school or during your internship.
Begin Your Hunt for Entry-Level Public Administration Jobs
Navigating through the sea of entry-level public administration jobs can be daunting. You may submit application after application and never hear anything back.
Having an MPA will help you stand out as a candidate. Most employers also look for work experience that you can get from an internship.
You should also seek out a mentor. They give great advice and they can connect you with a network of people who want to see you succeed.
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