There are many reasons to work for governmental bodies in the United States, but what communications jobs are available in government? The fact is that a degree in communications can have many applications at the local, state and federal levels of governance. Governmental positions are generally stable with good benefits, which is why they are appealing to workers. If you want a gratifying career with your background in communication, then be sure to consider these government jobs in communications.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
Speechwriter
Elected officials have a large support staff on hand to help get things done. For significant positions, this often includes a speechwriter. This is the person who is responsible for molding the official’s ideals into a speech that connects with people. Speechwriters must have a good sense of the official’s position while also understanding how to best engage an audience. Clearly, this is a task that is perfect for someone with a communication background. In many cases, a speechwriter will have other responsibilities as well. Most of these additional tasks still relate to communication and can include drafting press releases, branding and crisis management.
Online Communication
Current statistics suggest that competition for governmental communications jobs is fierce. According to Forbes, less than 100,000 jobs were added in 2017 and 2018 in this sector. However, while growth has slowed overall, there are still some areas of high demand. Online communication is one of those areas. Online communication is a huge part of how the public learns about current events and important issues. Given the sheer number of governmental services, it is a monumental task to keep the online resources up to date. A communications degree can help you disseminate online information in a meaningful way.
Lobbyist
The American governmental system works because everyone has a say. However, change only happens when enough voices join together to create a compelling case. This is what a lobbyist does. A lobbyist is not technically a governmental employee, but he or she works intimately with elected officials in order to advance a specific cause. Obviously, this is best done through effective communication. Lobbyists have to be able to persuade and negotiate effectively in order to get things done. It is often a career that requires direct contact with people, which is why lobbying is often considered a communication job in a governmental system.
Public Safety
One of the key roles of a governmental body is to provide safety for its citizens. While some of these safety features are practical, safety is also heavily based on education. After all, in many cases, people do not know what safety services are actually available. Moreover, people often need to have safety features explained to them before they understand their function. This type of education is conducted in many ways in order to reach as many people as possible. Therefore, people who work in public safety need to know how to best reach as many people as possible. This can include online media, print materials, public statements and in-person education.
These exciting careers are really just the start. A degree in communications can be quite versatile in the governmental sector. With a little effort and persistence, you will surely find a communications job in government soon.