When people think of public service, they may picture government agencies and policy changes or the brave men and women who risk their lives to save others. But the truth is that public service takes many forms. It can be found in local food banks, mental health clinics and more. Whether it’s coordinating housing services for homeless veterans or administering vaccines in a community health clinic, public servants make a real difference in the lives of everyday Americans.
Despite some misperceptions, the vast majority of Americans continue to support public service, according to the Partnership for Public Service’s 2025 survey. In fact, the majority of Americans agreed that “A nonpartisan civil service is important to our democracy”—a number that hasn’t changed significantly since last year.
However, it is also true that there are concerns about the way the federal workforce is currently perceived by the American public. One of the most significant issues is that there is a growing sense of distrust toward the federal government.
While this is unfortunate, it is important to recognize that the overwhelming majority of people who work in the government are dedicated, hard-working individuals who live pay check to pay check, just like everyone else. In addition, the government offers generous benefits including separate vacation and sick days, good health insurance and the opportunity to participate in government pension and retirement plans. In addition, many federal jobs offer student loan repayment programs. For these reasons, future students and working professionals should consider pursuing a degree in public service to prepare for a career that is truly meaningful.