Public service is work performed for the benefit of the community and society at large. It involves activities or services that are considered to be essential and vital to human life (such as health care or trash removal) and thus not easily provided by the market, or that are viewed as fundamental rights of citizens (like water). Public services may be provided through a variety of institutions, from volunteer fire departments to nonprofits. They may be financed by tax dollars or by government-sponsored programs. Public services may also be delivered through partnerships between public and private organizations.

Most people choose to work in public service for the opportunity to help others. This work can be challenging but rewarding and can lead to a variety of career paths. If you are interested in working in this field, it is important to learn the necessary skills for your desired career path. In addition, you should develop your leadership ability. You will be expected to follow the hierarchy in your organization and submit to leaders, but you should also have the ability to step up and take a lead when needed.

In the United States, a majority of Americans continue to agree that a nonpartisan civil servant who is free from political interference is important to our democracy. However, the number of people who believe that this system is important has decreased since last year. This may be due to increased awareness of the role of the civil service in the recent federal government shutdown or because of a growing disillusionment with the Trump administration’s policy proposals.