What An Analyst At State Government Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Government Industry
Daniel wishes they had started in state government earlier in career, as it offers great benefits and the opportunity for earlier retirement, and says "sooner you start your career... in state service... then the more benefits you can reap"; however, previous experience in different roles and even governments ultimately made a more "equally rewarding" and mature path, so Daniel advises exploring all options without fear of joining state service, as it's a fulfilling career path with a comfortable life.
Public Sector Careers, Benefits of Public Service, Career Timing, Work-Life Balance, Career Transitions
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Daniel Alvarez
Analyst/Professor
State Government / Higher Education
ITAM
University of San Diego - MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Education, Government & Public Sector
Business Strategy
Video Highlights
1. Starting a career in state service earlier allows for earlier retirement with better benefits.
2. Experience in state government is valuable and looks good on a resume, regardless of whether it becomes a long-term career.
3. While state service may not lead to wealth, it offers a comfortable and fulfilling life with good benefits.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I would have loved to join a long time ago. I navigated different areas of government. It's important to understand that this is a passion, but this is also going to be your career.
If you join later in life, you will have to retire later. If you join earlier in your life, you can retire younger with better benefits. The sooner you discover or start your career in state service, the more benefits you can reap.
The problem I had was that I was serving different governments in different countries. As an immigrant, I started my career in state service later in life. Had I known this was an option 20 or 15 years ago, I would have applied and would be close to retirement now.
After all the things I've done, it looks different now. It's a career, but it's a different path for me, equally rewarding. I feel I have a lot to offer and am more mature, but sometimes it feels like I should have joined a long time ago.
I recommend exploring every single career path and not being afraid to join. You can always join, and if you don't like it, try something else. It will look great on your experience and resume, saying that you worked for the state of California. It resonates pretty well.
Most people who join state service stay there forever because they understand the benefits. It's a good career. Then you can retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You won't become a millionaire, I guarantee that, but you will live a very comfortable, fulfilling life.
I would have loved to join 10 or 15 years ago. But if I had, I would have missed all the great opportunities I had working as a Mexican diplomat, then an American diplomat, then working for nonprofits, and then consulting. Now I've arrived at state government while being a professor on the side.
It's been a good path, but I wish I had known about this sooner. So I'm telling you right now, take a look at it. If you like it, just go for it. It's a good career path.