The Power of Business Skills in Public Service: Study a Bachelors in Public Administration
Do you dream of working in the public sector and making a difference in South Africa?
To succeed in public services, professionals need business skills that help them effectively manage organisations and navigate issues.
REGENT offers a Bachelors of Public Administration that equips you with fundamental and advanced skills in management and administration so you can thrive as a public administrator.
In this article, we discuss the necessity of business skills in public services and list some of the top skills employers seek. We also discuss possible programmes you can study so you can decide if this is the right career for you.
Are business skills necessary in public service?
Business skills are vital in public services. Even though public service organisations have different objectives and priorities from private companies, professionals with the right business skills can enhance effectiveness and help government initiatives succeed.
These skills enable public administrators to make informed decisions, allocate resources better, and serve the public well.
What business skills are most important in public service?
Several business skills stand out for public services since they can help administrators manage various areas of the organisation. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Strategic planning
The ability to plan for the future based on the organisation’s mission and objectives. This includes incorporating suitable management systems, allocating resources, and ensuring projects are completed on time.
2. Financial management
The ability to create and manage budgets to ensure funds are allocated effectively and analyse financial data to make more informed decisions. This could also include securing funding through grants and managing these grants with proper regulations.
3. Project management
Effectively planning, executing, and closing projects so that the organisation can meet goals, deadlines, and budgets. This also includes using popular project management methods, such as Agile, to streamline processes.
4. Leadership skills
The skills to lead teams towards a common goal and inspire and motivate them when problems arise. This helps build a positive company culture and a happy work environment. Leadership abilities are especially essential when organisations are navigating through changes.
5. Communication skills
Forbes listed communication skills as one of the top soft skills employers seek. Effective communication with co-workers, stakeholders, and citizens is vital for public administration, including written and verbal communication skills.
6. Analytical and problem-solving
The ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data to make the most informed decisions. This also includes using data to come up with solutions to complex issues.
7. Human resource management
This involves finding, recruiting, and training talented staff members who can help the organisation grow. It often requires performance management, evaluating employee performance and providing constructive feedback.
8. Ethics and integrity
Upholding high ethical standards that promote transparency and accountability with all decisions. Also, complying with the rules, laws, regulations, and ethical practices. Moral conduct is vital in the public sector so citizens can trust the government.
9. Marketing and public relations
The skills to promote public service initiatives and programmes to increase awareness and engagement. This includes managing the public sector’s image in the eyes of citizens and handling media relations.
10. Technology and data management
Leveraging technology and systems to improve service delivery and operational efficiency. This includes basic IT proficiency, cybersecurity awareness, and knowledge of digital communication tools.
How does a degree in public administration help develop business skills?
A Bachelors in Public Administration will help you develop all these business and public service skills since it offers a broad curriculum. Depending on your institution, some of these modules may include:
- Public administration
- Local government
- Ethics in the public sector
- Labour law
- Research in the public sector
- Disaster management
This degree will help you develop the necessary skills to become a successful public administrator, including financial, policy analysis, strategic planning, and ethical skills.
Depending on the course you choose, you may also have the opportunity to participate in internships, which allow you to gain experience in a real work environment. This will help you network with other professionals in the public sector and can open doors for you.
Best public administration degree in South Africa
REGENT offers a three-year Bachelors of Public Administration, which is ideal if you aim to become a well-developed public administrator.
You will learn how to work at all levels of government and gain valuable problem-solving capabilities to effectively solve problems of the 21st century.
You will also learn interpersonal skills such as communication, empathy, and listening abilities, to become an exceptional leader who inspires team members and the public.
Our degree is future-focused, meaning you will gain a relevant perspective and learn all the ethical standards of the work environment so you can help build rapport with the public.
REGENT also offers a Diploma in Public Relations Management, which is highly marketing-focused and equips you with the best practices for relations and media.
The course you choose ultimately depends on your interests and career goals. Ask yourself what you would like to do in the public sector.
Study a Bachelors of Public Administration with REGENT
Now that you understand the importance of business skills in public relations, you know why pursuing a degree will help you build these abilities. From finance management to ethics and public law, you will learn how to excel in a job as a public administrator.
Learn more about REGENT’s Bachelors of Public Administration to determine whether it fits you.