With its emphasis on political theory, international relationships and public policy, political science majors have a keen understanding of the workings of the public sector and governments.
ses
The optimal level of education depends on what stage of your career you’re currently in. While many individuals with SES-career aspirations ask blanket statements about whether they need a bachelor’s, master’s or even doctorate to land a top position, that answer has less to do with the advanced degree itself and more to do with how it enhances your current professional expertise.
There are SES benefits to a life-long career in the public sector as well as a career pivot from private into federal work. Again, it is best for candidates to ask what kind of specific SES domain they aim to move into, then determine the sector where they’ll have access to the most relevant, cutting-edge and advantageous experiences and skill development.
Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each path.
There are many advantages to starting your career with the government. Here are a few:
Of course, there are also disadvantages to jumping right in:
If those disadvantages seem undesirable to you, there are several advantages to starting in the private sector:
Once again, there are disadvantages when you don’t spend time in the sector where you want to work:
Again, the best way to position yourself for a future in SES is to know where you are versus where you need to be. This means assessing the specific skills, project types, leadership experiences and professional development you have under your belt against what needs sharpening. Then find ways to practice the skills or implement the activities which indicate to hiring boards you have the unique mix of qualities for SES success. Here are a few ways you can go about it:
The short answer is no. Entering any branch of the military does not necessarily distinguish you as a stronger candidate for senior executive service. Nor does it guarantee you have a definitive foothold or a linear, lifelong career path post-enlistment.
The longer answer, however, is it depends. There are a few advantages to military service when it comes to future federal government jobs — but only if you also meet specific eligibility requirements.
Due to the Veteran Preference Act, state and federal agencies do give preferential hiring to military veterans who qualify under special considerations. In a tight hiring race where nearly all other resume factors are equal, those with qualifying military backgrounds will likely receive the favorable appointment based on a hiring points system.
However, it is important to note the Veteran’s Preference Act does not guarantee all veterans a federal job. The preference points system only grants advantages to those who:
By the OPM’s own criteria, there are five domains of skills to acquire for eligibility into senior executive service positions.
While these skills aren’t static, they define the core competencies, behaviors and impacts you must cultivate across your professional life if you want to make yourself a strong candidate for senior executive service.
These skills, or Executive Core Qualifications, are as follows:
This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. Sub-competencies:
This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Sub-competencies:
This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Sub-competencies:
This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. Sub-competencies:
This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Sub-competencies:
It is impossible to predict exactly how today’s digital revolution will alter the course of senior executive service jobs — much less the entire landscape of federal work. What can be said, however, is that change is inevitable.
What can a prospective SES candidate do to stay competitive, and how do you get a federal job when the jobs themselves are changing? We have a few trends to instill confidence and future direction:
Based on the above trends, there may be a few context adjustments on the most favorable skills for SES positions — but not a complete makeover of the skills themselves. Likewise, these trends do not threaten SES career paths but could tweak what those positions mean and do:
The largest benefit to those set on pursuing an SES career path is the simple fact that these careers are stable yet challenging and rewarding. SES government jobs are inherently filled with the types of skills, traits and behaviors no computer can mimic — meaning they aren’t going anywhere.
There’s no substitute for achieving the federal career goals you’ve held since your formative years. When you partner with SES Writers, those goals become our own. Our program packages prepare you for every step of the SES hiring process, from initial resume review and ECQ statement drafts to mock interviews and position coaching.
Get in touch today to take charge of your federal career path.