Exciting Consulting Jobs: Exploring the Public Sector

Are you in the mind frame of exploring some career possibilities as a consultant within the public sector? There are still lots of opportunities for employment in this field, despite the current economic downturn.
In fact, during the recession, public sector jobs have actually increased in number relative to the private sector, according to a blog on the private sector vs. the public sector, by economics and finance professor, Mark J. Perry.  You can take advantage of this situation and find a job that is both interesting and rewarding in public sector consulting.

What exactly is the “public sector” anyway?

There are lots of similar, yet slightly different takes on precisely what constitutes the public sector; here we will use the one offered by Wikipedia:  "The Public Sector, which is also known as the State Sector, is the part of the economy dealing with production, delivery and allocation of services and goods by and for the government or its people.  It can be on the national, regional and/or local/municipal level.  Public ownership can take the form of:

• Direct administration (funded through taxes) with production decisions made by the government. 
• Publicly owned corporations (and state-owned enterprises) that have more commercial freedom and criteria than direct administration- production decisions made internally (though goals may be set by the government).
• Partial outsourcing and, in some cases, complete outsourcing delivering services or goods on behalf of the government.  Usually, complete outsourcing is considered a mix between the public and private sectors."

Public Sector Consulting- what’s exciting about it?

Public sector consulting and contracting opportunities have been growing rapidly in recent years.  These jobs are extremely fast-paced, demanding and stimulating.  You will be exposed to a variety of situations and challenges that you will be required to handle with flexibility while maintaining an even keel.

These jobs are for those who thrive under pressure and dynamic conditions.  You will have the opportunity to use a multitude of skills in problem solving situations.

As a public sector consultant you may be working in and among government agencies or side-by-side, as well as in a large firm or small local shops.  Your assignments may vary from short-term to longer-term, depending on the requirements of the project.  You will continually face a variety of circumstances. The chances of getting "bored" in this field of consulting is very little, however you may need to watch carefully, due to the fast-paced nature of the business, that you don't burn yourself out.

Samples of recent job openings in the public sector.

Many large consulting firms have an entire division devoted to the public sector.  Some examples include:

IBM

• Security and Privacy Consultant- helping clients comprehend key security and privacy issues, risks and exposures, using workshops and assessments.  Developing security and privacy programs to meet the needs of  clients’ businesses.
• Cisco Call Center Consultant- Prior experience working at a call center.  Acting as a call center consultant and required travel up to 75% of the time, 5 days a week.
• Strategy Consultant- Using consulting skills and business knowledge and processes for strategic analysis of key issues to come up with solutions to change the client’s business for the better.  Use of quantitative and qualitative measurement tools.  Ability to manage client relationships in a complex environment.  Bid proposals, leadership contribution, recruiting, mentoring, etc.

DELOITTE CONSULTING

• Public Sector Bid Unit Manger Consulting- This job takes on the role of working in the Public Sector Bid Unit Team.  They are responsible for the coordination of bidding and commercial activities for the firm’s UK Public Sector practice, which includes major government framework agreements.  It is based in London, England.
• Public Sector Strategy and Operations Manager Consultant- your responsibilities may include establishing analytical frameworks, conducting complex business analyses, conducting external research and data gathering, leading teams, developing effective relationships with the client, working with the client to help them achieve goals, and increasing the service line's knowledge base.

Some samples of government employed public sector consultants include:

• Professional Services Consultant, U.S. Government- This is a technical leadership role in the federal business unit.  Responsibilities include offering thought leadership to develop solutions for network infrastructure security across different industries, technologies and business problem areas.  Working with internal staff, federal partners, industry experts, and customers to design, develop, prototype, and deploy solution for complex problems.  Develop recommended architectures for  product deployments.
• Business Consultant- This opening is through the NSA (National Security Agency) and is an opportunity in the Business Intelligence organization.  To provide independent business analyses and business process improvements to support senior leadership strategic decision-making.  To utilize skills to help protect the country and those in the military who protect the country.

Start your career as a consultant in the public sector!

More than ever before, every type of business within all areas of the market is using consultants.  This is especially true for public sector consulting.

Even though the economy is still under the weather, there are consulting jobs available for the taking; look under “public sector consulting jobs” on almost any job search site and you will find plenty of positions.  Many of these are with big name consulting firms working for the benefit of the government, while others are within branches of government themselves.

They offer excellent pay, lots of opportunity to gain extensive work experience, in an exciting and fast-paced atmosphere. Explore for yourself the exciting field of consulting in the public sector.