Non 4-Year Post-Secondary Paths Civil Service

What are Civil and Public Service Careers?

Civil and public service careers involve working for government agencies or organizations that serve the public by maintaining infrastructure, enforcing laws, providing social services, and supporting community well-being. These careers exist at the local, state, and federal levels and include roles such as law enforcement officers, social workers, urban planners, emergency responders, and government administrators. Professionals in these fields help implement policies, manage public resources, and ensure the safety and efficiency of essential services. Unlike private-sector jobs, civil and public service careers focus on serving citizens and improving society rather than generating profit.

Civil Service:

Civil service careers encompass a wide range of jobs within government agencies at the local, state, or federal levels. These careers are typically designed to serve the public and support the functioning of government services. While some will require a college degree (Lawyers, Social Worker, Teacher, etc.), there are many that have more direct pathways or do not require a degree beyond high school.

Police/Fire

Picture of the Howard County police academy

Typically with Police and Firefighting careers, one will need to wait until they are twenty-one years old in order to apply. If their application is accepted they will need to complete a battery of physical, academic, and drug testing, followed by month long academies and field work. While an applicant waits to become twenty-one years of age, obtaining an associates degree or EMT designation during that time period will greatly increase one's odds of having their application accepted.

Howard County Police Careers

Howard County Fire Department

Civil Service Jobs - HS Diploma Only

Howard County Government logo

There are many government jobs that do not require any education beyond a high school diploma that pay pretty well and offer strong benefits. Take a look at the list of potential careers below that you can research for current available opportunities in your local community.

United States Postal Worker Careers

Howard County Government Careers (Police, Corrections, Office Work, Court Officers, DPW, etc.)

Maryland Year of Service

Maryland Year of Service social media post If you are looking for a way to serve your community, consider joining Maryland’s new Maryland Corps/Service Year Option. Maryland Corps/Service Year Option offers a year of professional growth and career exploration where you can earn a salary, gain new skills, and identify where your talents and purpose intersect, all while serving your community with your fellow Marylanders. Service roles will provide you with job training, an on-site mentor, and resources to be successful (personal money management training, career exploration, etc.) all while earning at least $15 an hour in your role. Upon successful completion of the program, members earn $6,000 toward tuition costs or as a cash stipend.

Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation

Fact Sheet

AmeriCorp & Peace Corp

Picture of a woman in the peace corp

For some students, they feel both compelled to serve the world while they try to find their path. Rather than a gap year, students select these pathways (or Maryland Year of Service) to give them more structure and to allow them to serve the larger community

AmeriCorps - AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.

Peace Corps - The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government that sends American citizens abroad to work on development projects in various countries. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps aims to promote world peace and friendship by addressing global development needs, fostering cultural exchange, and building mutual understanding between Americans and people in other countries.

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