7 skills a successful career in public services

the seven most important skills for a successful career in the public services and administration sector 

  1. problem solving and critical thinking 

  public sector employers need graduates who can explore the root cause of problems use their critical skills to understand complex phenomena and offer and implement solutions, explains Dr Jennifer law principal lecture of BA public services at the university of south wales. students can develop these skills in a range of ways through academic study helping to run a student society being  a course representative or through work experience.

2) communication 

communication skills are crucial to building relationships with service users, colleagues and collaborative partners, says Dr law, you will need to be able to persuade and explain effectively, listen well and vary verbal and writing style to get your point across. students can develop these skills while at university, presenting and writing in different forms. they will also get the chance to practice speaking and listening in group activities, seminars and workshops.

3) the ability to influence others through reasoned argument 

verbal skills are essential because, while people read reports, actual decisions are made through discourse in meetings, whether on a one-to-one basis or in large committees, says Dr Hans Schlappa, program  director MSc leadership and management in public services at the Hertfordshire business school. being able to synthesis complex information and express your own interpretation of this in a clear and coherent way is the skill that opens the door to the top in this sector. you can practice constructing a reasoned argument and communicating your opinions effectively by joining your university debating society.

4) respect for hierarchy 

we often hear that hierarchy is a thing of the past, but rumours of its death are in exaggeration, not least in the public services, explains, Dr Adrian Campbell, senior lecturer and convener of the master's in public administration at the university of Birmingham, be sensitive to differences in job title, status and professional background when dealing with colleagues, deference isn't needed, but diplomacy is.

5) resilience 

public services are changing rapidly and people working within this fast moving environment need to be resilient, says Dr law. this incorporates the ability to bounce back from difficulties, take a positive approach to change, and to persevere and with pressure effectively.

6) the ability to work collaboratively 

public service organisations are increasingly recognizing that solutions to pressing problems,such as the gap in life expectancy between the richest and the poorest and the need to plan for the needs of the growing population, involve more than one organisation, says Dr law, graduates can develop skills such as understanding the perspectives of others building relationships and influencing and negotiating by working with others during their time at university or through part time or voluntary work.


Dr Campbell agrees, one of the most prized skills in public services is the ability to work across boundaries with other public agencies or with external partners. this involves learning the language or jargon of the others party, understanding how they see the world, being cooperative but also being clear about what outcomes you need form cooperation.

7) leadership

 leading without controlling others is a key demand made on public sector managers, explain Dr schlappa. placing one's action with in a strategic framework helps those who are involved understand the rationale for the direction of travel.