Despite the huge public sector cuts, which continue to bite, working in this area is a great career option whether you're a graduate or looking for a career move. From the civil service (supporting the government) and local councils, to jobs in social care and the emergency services, there are a wealth of options available.
Due to the varitety of areas you can go into, there's no shortage of transferable skills at your disposal. TfL, for example, who run a number of graduate schemes, say on their website:
"No matter what subject your degree is, no matter where your skills lie, you're sure to find a scheme that uses them to full effect at TfL. We make sure our schemes prepare our graduates to do the same. Structured training, on-the-job learning, [and] the support to achieve professional qualifications'
Interestingly, new rules being implemented may also make moving between the various areas of the the public sector a much more viable option. Moreover, streamlined departments could help staff move up and across their career ladder more effectively.
Civil service reforms also suggest the industry is in for a big shake up, with plans to adapt to the digital market by providing many of their services online and encouraging staff to use social media platforms.
With this is mind, our live Q&A will discuss:
• What career options are available in the public sector for graduates and career changers
• What skills/experience you need
• Ideas on how to ensure you tick all the boxes
Join us our experts on Thursday between 1pm and 3pm to discuss all your questions, queries and opportunities.
You can follow the Q&A by signing up for a Guardian account, or log into the discussion using your Facebook or Twitter. Alternatively, email Chris Mandle or tweet us @GuardianCareers.
Our panel
Jodie Finn is National Accounts Manager at Venn Group, the specialist temporary recruitment consultancy. Jodie has more than ten years' experience working across the public, private and financial services sectors.
Michael Wood is a Candidate Recruitment Manager with Capita Education Resourcing, responsible for increasing the quality and numbers of candidates available throughout the business.
Barry Turner is a senior university lecturer at both Nottingham Trent University and The University of Lincoln. He teaches on two journalism courses in media law and in science and environmental journalism, with his areas of interest including mental health law consultancy, social work law, media law and public administration, and civil and criminal litigation.
Laura Herbert is the graduate manager for Shropshire Council, who offer paid internships and a graduate programs for graduates wishing to embark on a career within local government.
Sarah Archer has been working as a career coach for 6 years and is founder CareerTree. She has a background as HR Director in the voluntary sector and has also worked in retail, IT and telecoms sectors.
William Perrin runs Talk About Local, a small business with a public service mission to help people find a voice they own and run online. Before setting up Talk About Local, William was a civil servant for 15 years working as a policy adviser on technology issues in Downing Street.
Endrita Salihu has contributed to the Guardian Public Leaders network and recently completed a two week summer Whitehall Internship, organised by the Social Mobility Foundation. Endrita worked in the Department for Communities and Local Government.
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