Gov. Tim Kaine addressed University law students this weekend, encouraging them to pursue careers in public service.
The event, held Saturday, was part of the eighth annual Conference on Public Service & the Law, which addresses issues of social justice both in the United States and the world at large.
The conference was organized entirely by graduate students, an effort that illustrates their dedication to the University and to public service, said Law School Dean John Jeffries in his introduction.
Kaine also recognized undergraduate and graduate students' commitment to public service.
He then offered five tips for beginning a public service career. While his suggestions were directed at law school students, he said in a question-and-answer period that they could apply to undergraduates as well.
"The best way to start," Kaine said, "is to decide what the community is that you hope to serve."
Kaine's second tip was to be realistic about salary expectations.
"Get used to living on not a lot of money, but a little bit of money," he said, "and then you'll have the freedom to do what you really want to do."
Kaine emphasized that graduates will have a series of job opportunities, so they shouldn't be worried about immediately finding the perfect job.
"You do different things over the course of your life, and that's good, and that takes some of the pressure off some of the decisions you have to make, because they don't have to be perfect," he said.
Kaine's fourth tip was that society needs people who are interested in building bridges between different racial and ethnic groups.
"Not only should you do this because it's the right thing to do, [but] our future really depends on it," Kaine said.
Finally, Kaine suggested that Law School graduates run for public office, noting that there is a shortage of candidates and an alarming drop in voting participation.
Kaine said working in public service has been important to him because it changed how he thought about his career.
"It is the way to lead a deeply satisfying life," he said.
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