How Government Jobs Can Grow Your Career (No Degree Needed!)

If you’re looking for a steady job with great benefits but don’t have a college degree, we have some big news: SkillUp is teaming up with Opportunity@Work to connect you with government jobs that value skills over diplomas. This partnership means you now have more direct access to stable, rewarding public-sector roles, so starting and growing your career is easier than ever.

Why Consider a Government Job?

Government jobs offer something many other jobs don’t: real stability and clear opportunities for career advancement. Here’s why these roles stand out:

Great Variety

Public sector jobs are found at all levels of government: city, county, state, and federal. No matter where you live or how you want to serve your community, there’s likely a role for you.

Job Security

Government jobs tend to stay steady even when the economy takes a hit, especially at the local level. Imagine knowing your paycheck will be there every month, even during tough times. It’s a kind of peace of mind that’s hard to beat.

Great Benefits

When you work in the public sector, your paycheck isn’t the only reward. You’ll likely get solid benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, paid vacation days, and sick leave. These benefits mean fewer worries about healthcare and more quality time with your family.

Clear Paths for Growth

Many public sector roles provide clear paths for advancement. Perform well, and you’ll have the opportunity to move into roles with higher pay and greater responsibilities.

The Chance to Make a Real Impact

Public-sector jobs aren’t about simply clocking in and out. Through them, you get to help your community. Whatever you choose—public safety, park maintenance, or keeping essential services running—you’ll know your work genuinely matters. These jobs make an impact and offer the opportunity to work in purpose-driven work.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from people who actually hold public sector jobs:

• “It’s a call to serve everybody. Not just the folks that come through our doors, but everyone. I’m so humbled by the fact I can do that, and that people entrust me to help them. It’s not easy asking for help, so I feel honoured as a public servant to be in this position.”
• “The role of government is to provide a social contract for the people who live within that community. [. . .] And so the reason for what I do now is rooted in that little kid who sees that injustice and refuses to live with it.”

If you value a career that makes a real difference for your neighbors, a role in government might be perfect for you.

More States Are Dropping Degree Requirements

You used to need a four-year degree to apply for many government jobs. But that's changing fast.

In the wake of the pandemic, state and local governments were especially slow to recover their workforces. However, since these governments deliver services that their communities desperately need and rely on, understaffing makes it harder to do that.

Our new public sector jobs board currently features positions in Arizona, Colorado, and California, as well as many different roles available nationwide. Check out our catalog to see if there are available positions in your area!

To fill staffing shortages, states like Maryland, Colorado, and Utah are now hiring based on skills rather than degrees. Maryland was the first state to make a big move—after dropping degree requirements, they saw applications from people without degrees jump by 33%, and actual hires went up 41%. Why? Because removing these barriers helps states fill jobs faster and gives more people a fair shot.

Types of Government Jobs You Can Get (Without a Degree!)

The public sector is full of interesting opportunities. Here are just a few roles you could pursue:

• Administrative support: Managing office tasks and streamlined operations.
• Human resources: Assisting with employee hiring, training, and well-being.
• Public safety roles: Includes dispatchers, security officers, and police support roles.
• IT and tech support: Keeping systems running smoothly, troubleshooting, and managing networks.
• Operations and maintenance: Managing facilities and keeping everything running well.

Curious about what else you could do in the public sector? You might be surprised! We’re always keeping these roles updated, so if you see something you like, log into our platform and save your favorites.

You Have the Skills They Want!

Even without a degree, you already have valuable skills employers are looking for. You might be a STAR—Skilled Through Alternative Routes—which means your real-world experience counts just as much as formal education. Valuable skills include:

• Communication: Clearly expressing yourself through writing and speaking, plus active listening.
• Teamwork: Working well with others to achieve common goals.
• Problem-solving: Finding smart solutions when things don’t go as planned.
• Organization: Managing your time, tasks, and projects.
• Tech savvy: Familiarity with everyday tech tools like email, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.

As the public sector continues to shift toward skills-based hiring, more opportunities will continue to open up. Now’s the time to tell your story and showcase your skills, because your value to an employer doesn’t depend on an expensive piece of paper.

The Application Process: Slow But Worth It

Applying to government jobs can take time. But don't let that stop you! Here’s how you can stand out:

• Carefully fill out applications: Government applications can be detailed, so take your time and provide thorough answers.
• Craft a skills-based resume: Clearly highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use SkillUp’s resume templates to help you build a strong resume.
• Prepare for interviews: Government job interviews often ask scenario-based questions. Practice your responses beforehand to make sure you present your skills in the best way possible.

SkillUp provides free resources like resume tips and interview prep guides to make your application process smoother.

What About the Risks of Government Jobs?

By now, you might be wondering if all this is too good to be true. After all, hasn’t there been a lot of news about federal funding being cut?

We won’t sugarcoat it. Public sector jobs have historically been stable, but recent federal funding cuts have led to layoffs in some agencies. Here’s what to keep in mind as you consider a public sector career:

• Job security will depend on the specific role, agency, and government priorities.
• Employees in essential services or union-protected positions may have more stability, but budget constraints can still impact employment.
• Positions in essential services may be more resilient to budget cuts.
• Unions and civil service protections can provide greater stability for employees.

All jobs, including government jobs, come with a certain element of risk, but for many people, the benefits and opportunities to serve one’s community are more important than the potential drawbacks.