Two (soon-to-be) graduates from Dalhousie University’s Master of Public Administration program, Alec Brooks and Payton Nicol recently published a joint article with Dominika Wranik outlining key factors shaping Gen Z’s interest in government careers.

As retirements rise and labour shortages loom, Canada’s public sector faces growing challenges in attracting young talent. Gen Z is looking for more than job security — they want meaningful, socially responsible work that reflects their values.

Research from our lab identifies three key factors shaping Gen Z’s interest in government careers:

• Perceptions of the public sector’s reputation

• Motivation to serve the public good

• Preferred job attributes like work-life balance and opportunities for impact

To remain competitive, governments must rebuild public trust, modernize workplace culture, and engage directly with young Canadians through town halls, workshops, and partnerships with schools and universities.

The next generation of public servants is out there — and it’s time the public service met them where they are. Read the full article here.