A public sector or military career can seem formulaic. There are well-defined levels, whether they are military titles or civilian grades, and there are readily available checklists that clearly outline the expected skills and abilities. However, this rigor around advancement does not mean that public sector employees are at the mercy of the system. There are many ways to influence and speed your public sector career trajectory.
Look for “Other Duties as Assigned”
With a mission as vast as the government’s, there is always more work to be done than people to do it. While roles may be well-defined, there are ample opportunities to stretch beyond assigned duties and impact the mission.
Be aware of key activities happening within your agency. Is there a major briefing coming up, an event, or a deadline related to a mandate? Offer to help teams in a time crunch by showing what you can bring to the table — be that extra pair of hands to assemble briefing materials or experience from a past job to help expedite processes. Whether logistical or strategic, your participation in these efforts will give you experience and insight into key agency activities, as well as access to leaders who can become champions and mentors.
Prioritize Professional Development
Successful professionals never stop learning. Making professional development a priority will help expand your knowledge base and illustrate your willingness to continually improve. Look for opportunities to attend events, participate in different training sessions, or even seek certifications or an advanced degree. Agencies frequently reimburse costs and grant time away from the office for professional development.
When choosing a topic to expand your knowledge, look at where your agency needs support. With agencies across government looking to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI), using training sessions, certifications and events to expand your AI knowledge and skills will make you an attractive resource for new projects related to AI.
Take Advantage of Inter-Government Programs
The government has a wide variety of internships, fellowships, and job rotation opportunities. These programs exist to provide high-potential employees with the training and exposure they need in order to take on leadership roles.
- The Presidential Management Fellowship is the premier leadership development program in government to develop leaders from all segments of society.
- Pathways Programs provide intensive training in the function of government for recent graduates from high school, vocational school, four-year college, and graduate school.
- DoD rotational programs exist in a number of areas, including cybersecurity, acquisition, human resources, and more, giving employees experience beyond their current role.
- The President’s Management Council Interagency Rotation Program provides an opportunity for cross-agency exposure for high-potential GS 13-15s (or equivalent). Participants are given assignments that will help develop specific leadership competencies.
These programs are a benefit to both the individuals involved and to government as a whole, as they provide much-needed exposure to and collaboration between traditionally siloed agencies.
To improve the trajectory of your public service career, align your goals with the agency’s mission. If your actions support both your goals and those of the larger organization, their impact will be more quickly recognized, appreciated, and rewarded.
As the founder of GovEvents and GovWhitePapers, Kerry is on a mission to help businesses interact with, evolve, and serve the government. With 25+ years of experience in the information technology and government industries, Kerry drives the overall strategy and oversees operations for both companies. She has also served in executive marketing roles at a number of government IT providers.
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