Choosing Between Public and Private Sector Careers: A Comprehensive Guide for Tech Professionals
Explore the differences between public and private sector careers, including job security, salary potential, and work-life balance, to make an informed career choice.
If you're considering pursuing a career change in 2026, you’re not alone. The beginning of a new year often causes us to reflect on our priorities, particularly in our working life.
As a Career Advisor, I speak to people everyday who are making the switch. At Learning People, we’ve helped just short of 50,000 people transition to a new career in IT or Project Management – fields that offer great salaries, strong job security, and real long-term growth.
One of the earliest major decisions students when entering is the job market is choosing between a public sector or a private sector role. The first often provides better job security and excellent benefits - the second, faster career growth and higher salaries.
Choosing between the public and private sector can be challenging, which is why I've created this comprehensive guide. Let’s explore the unique benefits and demands of each sector together, so that to you can confidently choose which is right for you.
Written by
With over 3 years working at Learning People supporting students in their career search, Flo is here to offer one-to-one personal guidance, which proactively supports you as you venture towards your new or expanded career.
What's on this page?
Jump to:
- What are Public Sector Jobs? Overview and Role Examples
- Pros of Working in the Public Sector
- Cons of Working in the Public Sector
- Pros of Working in the Private Sector
- Cons of Working in the Private Sector
- How to Secure a Tech Job in the Public Sector
- How to Secure a Tech Job in the Private Sector
- Final Thoughts on Choosing Between the Private and Public Sectors
What are Public Sector Jobs? Overview and Role Examples
Jobs in the public sector are provided by government-run organisations. These organisations are responsible for providing all public services, including education, housing, social care, healthcare and more. According to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 2.5 million people are currently employed in the public sector; in New Zealand, it's 477,400.
The public sector offers a wide range of tech and project management jobs - in Australia and New Zealand, public sector roles are listed on the corresponding government websites.
Some examples of tech public sector jobs include:
- Test Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Content Designer
- Software Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Delivery Manager
Pros of Working in the Public Sector
When choosing between the public and private sectors, its important to weigh-up the pros and cons. Here's four pros of working in the public sector that appeal the most to the students I support:
- Job security: Public sector roles often come with a higher degree of job security than their private sector counterparts, thanks to government funding and lower redundancy rates during economic change.
- Pension schemes: Pension schemes are typically more robust in the public sector, offering a stable income after retirement, which can be an essential consideration for long-term financial planning.
- Work-life balance: The public sector often promotes a healthier work-life balance, with more annual leave, flexible working options, and remote work potential.
- Making a difference: Public sector work often involves contributing directly to society. Whether it’s healthcare, education, or community safety, many find satisfaction in knowing they’re making a real impact. Recent research by public sector news outlet The Mandarin, revealed that 80% of Australian public servants are proud of their work.
Cons of Working in the Public Sector
Here are, in my experience, the main challenges you can face while working in the public sector:
- Bureaucracy: Government roles can be highly bureaucratic, with rigid internal processes that sometimes slow down decision-making and can lead to administrative delays. New Zealand's latest Public Service Census found that over a third (37%) of public sector workers cite complicated or unnecessary business processes as a barrier in the workplace.
- Limited flexibility: While work-life balance is generally better, some public sector positions may lack flexibility in innovation and creative approaches due to strict guidelines and regulations.
- Career progression: Promotions in the public sector can sometimes be slower, as advancement is often based on seniority or structured criteria rather than individual performance alone.
- Resource constraints: Budget limitations in the public sector may affect access to cutting-edge tools, technologies, or other resources that could enhance job efficiency and satisfaction.
If you're a tech professional that is primarily motivated by work that has a real-world impact, climbing to the top of your field is less important to you, and you appreciate security and stability, working in the public sector could be right for you.
Fact: 72% of New Zealand public sectors workers are enthusiastic about their job
New Zealand's 2025 Public Service Census found that 78% of public sector workers said their work gives them a sense of accomplishment, and 72% are enthusiastic about their job.
This shows how rewarding a career in tech or project management in the public sector can be.
What are Private Sector Jobs? Overview and Roles Examples
Jobs in the private sector are positions within businesses, corporations, or organisations owned by individuals or shareholders rather than the government. Rather than service delivery or societal impact, private sector roles primarily focus on generating profit.
The diverse nature of the private sector - from small independent businesses to huge multinational corporations - means that there is a vast array of tech and project management jobs available. According to the latest data from The Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 18.5 million jobs are in the private sector; in New Zealand, there's 2.4 million.
Some examples of tech private sector jobs include:
- Penetration Tester
- Business Analyst
- IT Services Technician
- Network Engineer
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Project Manager
Pros of Working in the Private Sector
- Salary potential: Private sector roles may offer higher salaries, with opportunities for bonuses and stock-sharing plans, which can add to the overall compensation package. In 2025, wages grew by 3.4% in the Australian private sector.
- Career advancement: Private companies often reward high performance with faster, merit-based promotions, providing employees with chances to take on diverse projects or roles across different departments.
- Innovation and skills development: Private companies tend to adopt the latest technologies and innovative practices more rapidly, giving employees opportunities to build valuable, marketable skills.
- Fast-paced environment: The private sector is typically faster-paced, with fewer bureaucratic constraints, creating an exciting workplace for those who thrive under pressure.
Cons of Working in the Private Sector
- Lack of job security: Private sector roles may come with less job security, especially during economic downturns or company restructures. Job creation in the Australian private sector has slowed in recent years, illustrating its often unstable nature.
- Work-life balance: Many private sector roles demand longer hours, which can lead to a poorer work-life balance compared to public sector positions.
- Benefit disparities: Benefits in the private sector, such as pensions and leave entitlements, are often less generous than in the public sector as companies aim to reduce costs.
- Performance pressure: Private sector employees often experience higher performance expectations, with job stability closely linked to meeting targets and producing consistent results.
Did you know? Hybrid working is standard practice in the private sector
The Australian HR Institute's 2025 Hybrid and Flexible
Working Practices report revealed that only 18% of employers in the private sector mandate their full-time employees be in the physical workplace, for either four or five days a week.
This illustrates the flexibility that can come with a career in tech or project management within the private sector.
How to Secure a Tech Job in the Public Sector
If you've decided that the public sector best fits with your career goals and priorities, here are a few actions you can take to prepare for a successful public sector job search:
- Search for and connect with people on LinkedIn who currently work in a tech or project management role in the public sector. Experienced public sector workers tend to share lots of useful news and resources, which can help build your sector knowledge. You could even reach out with a genuine message and ask for a quick chat.
- Attend free or low-cost local networking events, webinars, or industry meetups. Some examples include the Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa, First Nations Public Administration Conference and Government Edge. Just one conversation could lead to a new opportunity.
- Browse public sector specific job boards, like jobs.govt.nz and APS Jobs. Reading job descriptions will help you tailor your job applications to the public sector. FYI - we have guides and examples to help you when writing your CV/resume and cover letter after switching career to tech or project management.
How to Secure a Tech Job in the Private Sector
As the private sector employees significantly more people than the public sector, it's likely that you're more familiar with this job-hunting process. However, as someone changing career into tech or project management, you'll still need to take several important steps to help you secure employment in the private sector:
- Build a relevant support network to help create new opportunities. You can do this by joining online communities, forums, or Discord groups, connecting with people on LinkedIn, and by attending local networking events. Interacting with existing tech professionals working in the private sector can open doors, leading to new job opportunities.
- Browse job listings on job search engines like Seek or Indeed, or platforms like LinkedIn. Reading an array of job descriptions will help you identify what type of business you'd like to work for. Perhaps you'd prefer the autonomy of working for a SME, or the progression opportunities within a global corporation.
- Plan for future training upskilling. Keeping up-to-date in the fast-moving private sector, particularly when working in tech or project management, is incredibly important for career stability and progression.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Between the Private and Public Sectors
Choosing between a public and private sector role can be difficult - but we're here to help. Once you're certified, the sector you enter ultimately depends on how well each aligns with your personal circumstances and long-term career goals. Assess your priorities, consider the type of work environment where you’ll thrive, and think about factors like salary potential, job security, and work-life balance.
It's important to remember that you can absolutely switch between the public and private sectors! As your career progresses, your priorities will likely shift and so potentially effect which sector is right for you. As a Learning People student or alumni, you can get in touch with our Career Services team for advice and guidance, no matter how far you're into your career in tech or project management. Get in touch to day to kick-start your new career.
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