Whether you’re interested in helping people experiencing poverty or discrimination, improving the environment, or working internationally, public service can be your path to making a difference. But more than that, it’s a career option for anyone who wants their daily work to feel meaningful and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Unlike in the private sector, where employees are directly responsible to shareholders and other stakeholders, government employees work for citizens through elected officials. They’re held to a higher standard and are entrusted with the delivery of public services, providing evidence-based advice for policy-making, and maintaining their jobs during change.

The vast majority of people who serve in the public sector are not elected officials, but career service staff. Despite challenges, the vast majority of people still want to work in this rewarding field for reasons that go beyond money and prestige. In fact, when a survey asked Americans what made them proud to be an American, the top answer was that they were part of a community of people who work for the greater good every day—responding to natural disasters, setting safety standards, preventing disease, ensuring food and medicine quality, and keeping the country secure.

The qualifications for a career in public service vary by profession, but most require postsecondary education. A bachelor’s degree is required for many entry-level roles, and a master’s or doctorate is required for supervisory positions. Regardless of your chosen career, a strong work ethic and attention to detail are key.