Roles in infrastructure policy and development are at the root of a wide range of issues and improvements in society. You hear new infrastructure policies on the news daily and experience developments in your own community.
What jobs exist for someone wanting to enact infrastructure change? What is the outlook for careers in infrastructure? What is the right job for Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduates?
People who work in infrastructure have the ability to influence the policies and progress related to societal systems. Engineers, construction workers, resource managers, electricians and economists can all fall under the umbrella of infrastructure. Everything from policy analysis to the potholes that need to be fixed are related to infrastructure.
These roles are perfect jobs for MPA graduates. MPA graduates are interested in working to benefit public interests and have the skills to enact tangible change. MPA graduates work as leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors on a variety of pressing and most challenging infrastructure issues. Some of the best jobs in infrastructure are in sectors you may never have considered.
Research shows an estimated 1.5 million roles in infrastructure being added in the next decade. This is due in part to increased funding for the national infrastructure. An additional 1.7 million current workers are expected to leave their roles due to retirement or career changes.
There is an increased need for women in infrastructure as they make up 18.5% of the industry nationally.
Urban planning is a vital aspect of infrastructure development, focusing on creating sustainable, well-designed cities and regions. By working closely with communities, you can help shape urban landscapes that prioritize public welfare, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Urban planners collaborate with architects, engineers, and policymakers to create comprehensive plans. They optimize land use, transportation networks, housing, and public spaces.
Transportation plays a crucial role in infrastructure, connecting people, goods, and services. You oversee the planning, development, and efficient operation of transportation systems, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
You collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private organizations, and community groups, to address transportation challenges and implement innovative solutions. Your ability to address day-to-day issues for people and communities gives this job special purpose and makes it one of the most satisfying roles in infrastructure.
Wages in this career vary with the average being reported by the BLS at $98,560 annually.
As concerns for environmental sustainability continue to grow, the need for professionals who can navigate complex policy landscapes becomes increasingly important. You will assess the environmental impact of infrastructure initiatives, propose strategies for mitigating adverse effects, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
You can expect an average annual salary of $76,530 per year. The need for these roles will continue to grow as national, regional, and private interests continue to invest in environmental sustainability. Improving lives on a global and individual scale makes this role one of the best infrastructure jobs and most fulfilling.
As an infrastructure finance specialist, you will explore funding options, analyze investment opportunities, and develop financial models for infrastructure projects. Your expertise will enable you to navigate public-private partnerships, government grants, and other funding mechanisms to ensure successful implementation of critical infrastructure initiatives.
You can work in a variety of industries including the government, engineering, and construction. The BLS reports an average annual salary of $95,570 per year for individuals working in financial analysis.
Start with a diverse, engaging, and solution-based MPA program. The Cornell Brooks MPA Program equips you with the hard and soft skills required to forge solutions across sectors in a strategic, mission-oriented, and equitable manner.
We foster the development of innovative ideas and tools that really matter for improving the political, economic, environmental, and social climate of our world.
In fact, we have a concentration just for individuals interested in jobs in infrastructure. Specifically, policy/project analysis, project planning, implementation (including financing and construction), and operations in the areas of science, technology, and infrastructure policy.
If you are ready to jumpstart your career in infrastructure and find one of the best jobs in infrastructure, you belong in a mission-driven graduate program like a Master of Public Administration degree — request more information or start your online application today!
