Still in Service: Moving from Government to Higher Ed Careers
For many professionals, a career in public service is more than a job: it is a calling. It represents a commitment to community, inclusion, and the belief that one’s work should contribute to a greater good. Yet, in 2025, hundreds of thousands of government workers have faced painful job cuts and agency downsizing, leaving many questioning how they can continue to serve without the security of their former roles. The good news is that a sense of mission does not have to end when a government position does. Higher education offers a natural next step, providing opportunities to empower students, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change. Whether in teaching, administration, or student support, careers in higher ed allow you to remain grounded in service while pursuing meaningful, purpose-driven work.
Higher Education’s Role in Civic Engagement and Social Impact
Higher education has always been closely tied to the public good. Colleges and universities do not simply provide degrees; they serve as engines of civic responsibility, social mobility, and community growth. From the establishment of land-grant institutions in the 19th century to today’s commitments to access and equity, higher education has consistently positioned itself as a force for societal progress.
At its core, the mission of higher education is deeply civic: preparing students not only for careers but also for lives of informed citizenship and community participation. Public universities and community colleges carry a responsibility to make education accessible and affordable, providing opportunities for first-generation students and historically underserved populations. Beyond the classroom, higher ed institutions often partner with local organizations on initiatives such as workforce development, public health, and literacy programs—efforts that ripple outward and strengthen entire communities.
For service-oriented professionals, this connection between higher education and civic engagement creates a seamless continuation of values. Working in higher ed means contributing to a legacy of service while helping to shape the future of society itself.
Top Reasons Public Service Professionals Find Meaningful Work in Higher Education
For those who have built their careers around civic duty, the transition to higher education can feel like a natural extension of their values. The motivations that drive public service professionals—commitment to inclusion, helping others succeed, and making a lasting impact—are the same as those that fuel the work of colleges and universities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of higher ed is the opportunity to influence tomorrow’s leaders. Whether through teaching, advising, or program development, professionals directly support students in becoming thoughtful, civic-minded individuals who will contribute to their communities for years to come. The impact goes beyond individual lives: every student who gains access to education creates a ripple effect in their families, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Equally important, higher education offers service-oriented professionals a broad range of roles beyond the classroom. Academic advisors guide students through complex pathways. Student affairs staff create supportive communities. Even roles in operations, institutional research, or policy shape systems that expand opportunity and access.
One of the most compelling aspects of working in higher education is the variety of ways professionals can make a meaningful difference.
Community Engagement: Many colleges partner directly with local organizations to address community needs through initiatives such as literacy programs, food security efforts, and workforce development projects. Employees often find themselves working at the intersection of education and civic service, seeing firsthand how their contributions positively impact lives.
Equity and Access: From financial aid specialists ensuring affordability to staff who develop programs for first-generation or minority students, numerous roles center on expanding access to education. This work directly tackles systemic barriers and promotes social mobility.
Policy and Leadership Influence: Higher ed professionals shape institutional priorities through governance, accreditation, and policy decisions. For those accustomed to working in government, this presents a familiar but fresh arena for advocacy.
Research and Innovation: Faculty and staff drive discoveries that advance social justice, environmental sustainability, and public health. These contributions ripple outward, informing policy and improving communities.
How to Leverage Your Skills for a Successful Higher Ed Career
For professionals leaving government or nonprofit roles, the good news is that many of your skills are highly transferable to higher education. Communication, policy analysis, leadership, program management, and community outreach are all core competencies that colleges and universities value. What may have been used to serve citizens in a municipal program or clients in a nonprofit organization can easily be adapted to serve students, faculty, and communities on a campus.
The key is identifying the entry points that align best with your background. For example, those with experience in public policy may find a natural fit in institutional research or compliance offices. Professionals with community engagement or social services experience can thrive in student affairs, advising, or inclusion and belonging roles. Strong project managers may excel in administration or operations.
Networking is also essential. Professional associations, higher education conferences, and informational interviews can open doors and provide clarity about which path to pursue. Additional professional development, such as certifications in higher ed administration or student affairs, can further strengthen your transition.
Above all, remember shifting into higher ed is not about abandoning service; it is evolving it.
Continue Your Mission: Why Higher Ed Is the Next Step in Serving the Public Good
At a time when many public service professionals face uncertainty due to job cuts and restructuring, it is essential to remember that a career rooted in service does not have to end—it can take on a new life. Higher education offers a unique space where civic purpose meets long-term impact. Every role, whether in the classroom, advising, administration, or research, contributes to shaping individuals who will go on to influence communities, policies, and industries.
For those who value meaningful work, higher education provides the chance to remain part of something larger than yourself: a mission to expand access, foster inclusion, and empower future generations. Transitioning into higher education continues the public service journey in a different but equally vital area.
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About the Author: Shelby Harris is a freelance writer and public sociologist. She holds a master’s degree in Sociology from East Carolina University.