If you like helping others, consider entering a fulfilling career in Public and Human Services. From preschool teachers to police officers, safety inspectors to social workers, there are many opportunities available that are as challenging as they are rewarding. As America enters the 21st century, the demand for service-oriented professionals is at an all time high. Especially for those with the desire to help their fellow citizens and make real improvements to the communities they serve. Fortunately, there are plenty of career opportunities that meet this demand. They are found in the Public and Human Services career pathway. This pathway is filled with careers that improve and safeguard society, while making a positive difference in people's lives. With a career in Public and Human Services, you'll gain the personal satisfaction of performing a helpful function, while meeting real needs in the community you serve. The career opportunities are as varied as they are important, meeting such vital needs as public safety, education, and ensuring personal well-being. The Public and Human Services career path is made up of three separate but related pathways. Read all about them...and enter a career that makes a difference! PUBLIC SERVICE AND SAFETY The need for professionals involved in public safety, protection and related services is growing, and has been for years. While alarming, this fact also ensures a high demand for careers in law enforcement, the military, emergency services, and similar fields. Careers in Public Services & Safety are concerned with protecting people from danger and helping ensure their safety and health at all times. They range from police officers and firefighters to lifeguards and highway maintenance personnel. The careers may be diverse, but they share a common goal: keeping communities safe places for citizens to work and live. Unlike people in other careers, those involved in Public Services and Safety are able to see the positive results of their work daily. Every criminal removed from the streets, every injured person recovering, every highway made safe for travel...they all stem from the efforts of Public Services and Safety professionals. For that reason, these careers provide a great deal of personal fulfillment and satisfaction! EDUCATION The education field has always drawn people with a deep sense of concern for young people and their future. With an emphasis on reducing class size and improving student-to-teacher rations, the demand for qualified people is certain to remain high both at the national and state levels. Education is a broad career pathway that includes more than teachers and college instructors. Administrators, librarians, principals, school counselors, aides and other support positions are found throughout the Education field. People are attracted to Education for a variety of reasons. Some are inspired by professionals they encountered during their schooling. Others enjoy sharing the knowledge they acquired through their own education or job experiences. All, however, seem to get a great deal of satisfaction from helping others do their best. No wonder careers in education are often referred to as a "calling" rather than an occupation! HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES Those involved in the Human and Social Services pathway are concerned with the well-being of the people in the communities they serve. Careers in this diverse pathway range from psychologists and family counselors to governmental workers. These careers provide plenty of one-on-one assistance to individuals in need. The careers in this field are certainly varied, but they all have one thing in common: They all help people deal with their problems so they can enjoy life and become productive, responsible members of society. People are drawn to Human and Social Services because of the personal, immediate impact that can be made. People with careers in Human and Social Services help others in a very direct and meaningful way, which makes those careers as rewarding as they are challenging.