Do you consider yourself leadership material? Someone who can create plans and solve problems, while meeting the emotional and motivational needs of a team? Then you may be the perfect candidate for a highly-successful career in Public Management. This is particularly true if you can see yourself really making a difference to public spaces and society. After all, for professionals in a public service field – whether through a governmental, voluntary or private sector organisation – the relationship between policy-making and management is a crucial one. But what exactly is Public Management?
What is Public Management?
Public management is the task and process of undertaking managerial operations of public organisations. The objective of public management is to streamline the efficiency and ensure the quality of services delivered by these organisations. Public Managers do so by interpreting public policies and exacting the necessary course of actions in order to realise these deliverables. Public managers can work in an internal or external environment.
Why study public management?
Today, both non-profit organisations and public entities require the assistance and skillsets of managers to direct operations and integrate teams. Public management studies is a highly sought-after qualification where graduates can apply for entry-level positions at a number of industries, including government departments.
Graduates who become Public Managers will be expected to maximise resources and ensure that initiatives under their guidance are successful. This is because the role goes beyond the daily operations, it is also about future prospects and programs to ensure sustainability in the long-term. It is important to note that there is a difference between Public Management and Public Administration so find out which discipline you’re most interested in before applying.
Studying Public Management
You may be wondering what the typical topics will be for this kind of study stream. These could include:
- Marketing management
- Negotiation strategies
- Planning
- Economics
- Public policy
Public management students would be expected to tackle subjects like addressing the challenges of digital technology for re-shaping relationships between government and the public. Also, they will be exposed to a fair degree of philanthropic principles and become prepared to eventually assume leadership positions in the field.
You will also be able to apply a unique blend of academic knowledge, practical skills and a wider understanding of the challenges of the current public service context. Having completed a respected programme may also lead to far greater career opportunities in public service and beyond for graduates.
Jobs and careers for Public Management graduates
One of the wonderful things about studying Public Management is that this is a broad field that can truly encompass a wide range of positions and skill sets. There are many entities and governmental departments that require Public Management graduates. These include:
- Churches
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Environmental protection organisations
Graduates may eventually also find themselves gravitating towards supervisory positions in businesses, non-profits or government entities. These could include high-level positions such as Public Policy Analysts, Non-Profit Managers or even Directors of Development.
If you would like to know more about studying a Public Management course, speak to one of our student advisors today! MANCOSA offers a top-quality and affordable Higher Certificate in Public Management.