Public administration is about leadership, management, and benefiting society. If you are a social enthusiast, possess strong managerial and leadership skills, or are passionate about bringing innovative solutions to your society’s pressing issues, public administration might be a good fit for you.
Public administration is the study of managing public programs, implementing policies, executing public affairs, and overseeing the tasks of governments or leadership bodies. It is a highly diversified social sciences field with broad subjects including economics, politics, and business. A specialization in public administration would mean that you are open to work at numerous public and private facilities.
What Role Do Public Administrators Play?
One common misconception about public administration is the perceived lack of job opportunities. While the term "public administration" often suggests administrative roles within the government, the job market for public administration is much broader!
Public administration equips you with skills from multiple disciplines. You can expect to develop a solid political understanding, strong leadership and business administration acumen, knowledge of policy implementation, and a foundation in economics.
The roles you can assume as a public administrator are vast due to the field's diverse subject matter. With these skills, you can hold managerial positions in private firms, serve as a policy expert in government institutions, or work with international organizations on their projects in Pakistan.
As diverse and variable as the jobs in public administration are, it's essential to develop professional soft skills during your studies. In particular, your communication and problem-solving skills can be decisive factors in your career. These skills are likely to be applicable in most work environments for public administrators.
You must also explore internship opportunities in both public and private sectors. These internships will not only help you identify the type of work you are most comfortable with but will also give you exposure to the job market. All you need to do is sharpen your skills and craft your unique professional path.
The Qualities Required for Public Administrators
If you wish to pursue a career in public administration, you must develop as many of the following skills and qualities as possible:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Research skills
- A commitment to serving the public
- Leadership and teamwork skills
- Communication skills
- Good interpersonal relations
- Problem-solving abilities
- Openness to new ideas and knowledge
Public Administration in Pakistan
To pursue a career in public administration, follow these steps:
- Complete your FSc.
- Shortlist the universities you want to apply to for bachelors
- Consider if you fulfill their admission criteria
- Prepare for admission tests (wherever applicable).
- Complete a bachelor's degree
- After bachelor's, you can explore various job opportunities in the public, private, or development sector.
- You should prefer a master's degree in public administration or a related field to expand your education and job prospects.
- A PhD would be ideal if you wish to explore careers in academia.
It's preferable to first earn a bachelor’s in public administration. Afterward, you can pursue a master’s in public administration or specialize in a related field. Some of these related fields include:
- Public Policy
- Urban Planning
- Human Resource Management
- Economics
- Political Science
- International Relations
You can find master’s degree programs offering these related courses in Pakistan or abroad. A master’s degree will help sharpen your skills and knowledge, increasing your chances of securing high-paying job opportunities.
The salary range in public administration varies. Jobs can range from minimum wage to more than Rs. 5 lakh per month. Your earnings will depend on your qualifications, experience, and the nature of your position.
Top 5 Universities for Public Administration in Pakistan
Top Ranked Universities for BS in Public Administration include,
- National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
- Quaid e Azam University
- University of Karachi
- International Islamic University
- University of Management & Technology
Details of universities offering MS in Public Administration are available here.
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