The public sector is one of the largest sections in this handbook, mainly because the range of careers it covers is huge. The Civil Service alone remains Britain's largest graduate employer, despite its rigorous selection procedure. In addition, all governmental, civil service, social and NHS work is covered in the sector, and most private sectors have a public application. With President Blair's recent pledge to reform and streamline public services, it's a particularly interesting time to be joining the sector. Not everyone can have James Bond's job, but most in the sector say that it's a consistently challenging and rewarding profession.

The Civil Service and governmental work has traditionally had a staid and negative reputation, with grey suits and bowler hats the norm. However, in recent years the sector has become one of the most competitive to enter, and thus is becoming more of an elite option - the Civil Service Fast Stream in particular is an extremely popular destination for Oxbridge graduates. Having shaken off its image as the less well-paid alternative to privately-funded enterprise, the public sector is a most legitimate destination for Oxbridge graduates, and of course has the attraction of 'working for the common good'.