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Dravidi, Human Resources Specialist at Government: Advize Career Interview
A career path beginning with a family consumer science degree from Cal State Long Beach led to impactful HR work in the government, demonstrating the power of networking and embracing unexpected opportunities.
The role of a senior HR specialist at the US Attorney's office encompasses training, policy development, and a wide range of HR responsibilities.
A typical day involves processing paperwork, answering questions, and navigating seasonal demands and shifting priorities driven by new administrations.
Consistency, research skills, and confidence are crucial, with relationships and a helpful, curious attitude essential for thriving.
The position provides fulfillment from meeting new people, witnessing their career growth, and implementing meaningful change, offering diverse tasks and unique experiences.
Entry-level HR assistant positions offer valuable exposure, particularly in smaller offices with supportive environments. A significant lesson learned: relationships and consistent quality work lead to opportunities.
Utilizing college career services and leaning into internships can be a great setup, and as a person with a disability, there has been navigation of readily available resources and a genuine desire from employers to provide support.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Dravidi Stinnett
Human Resources Specialist
Government
California State University, Long Beach
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Education
Government
Human Resources (HR)
Disabled, Honors Student, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Human Resources Specialist At Government
Dravidi's career path began with a family consumer science degree from Cal State Long Beach and early experiences volunteering at a senior center and an afterschool nutrition program after an internship fell through. Subsequent roles included a temporary position at the VA, a "Repair the World" fellowship in Pittsburgh, and eventually a clerk position at the DOJ that led to an HR assistant role, a specialist role at the US Attorney's Office, a detail at the White House, and ultimately circling back to be a HR specialist at the Southern District of New York, demonstrating the importance of networking and taking opportunities as they arise, even those like the fellowship that seemed like a detour from "the plan".
Main Responsibilities of a Human Resources Specialist for the Government
As the senior HR specialist in the US Attorney's office, Dravidi's main responsibilities encompass training and HR oversight, including developing job aids, updating policies, and answering staff questions. Furthermore, Dravidi serves as an unofficial deputy to the HR officer and handles "a little bit of everything," including benefits and payroll, indicating a broad and impactful role within the organization.
A Day In The Life Of A Human Resources Specialist In Government
A day in the life of a Human Resources Specialist at the US Attorney's Office involves a variety of tasks, starting with finishing up work from the previous day and often includes processing paperwork, answering questions, and responding to audit findings; Dravidi emphasizes that much of the work is seasonal, with the beginning of the year focused on performance plans and position descriptions, and new administrations requiring efforts to onboard new staff and organize delegations.
Most Important Skills For a Human Resources Specialist in Government
For a Human Resources Specialist in the government, Dravidi emphasizes the importance of consistency, explaining that even if a process is flawed, consistent application allows for easier troubleshooting. Backing up answers with solid research and confidence is also critical, particularly when interacting with attorneys who may offer pushback.
Favorite Parts of Being a Human Resources Specialist in Government
Dravidi enjoys meeting new people, especially those starting their first federal job, and learning about their unique paths. The ability to build relationships and serve as a resource, helping others navigate the complexities of government based on their own initial experiences, is also a rewarding aspect of the role, providing a sense of fulfillment when "you see people using a resource" that was shared.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Human Resources Specialist In Government
Dravidi, as an HR specialist in government, finds the constant change driven by shifting administration goals to be a significant challenge; as priorities shift between US attorneys, "there's always something changing," requiring meticulous accuracy in HR processes to maintain credibility and ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. This dynamic environment demands Dravidi to navigate frequent promotions, demotions, and evolving priorities while upholding the integrity and trustworthiness of the HR function within the office.
Favorite Parts of Working in Government as a Human Resources Specialist
Dravidi most enjoys witnessing the career trajectories of individuals, especially those whose early potential they recognized, like interns who went on to "run for office or really do cool things". As a Human Resources Specialist, it is rewarding to see people achieve their goals and realize the potential they saw in them.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Government Industry, According To A Human Resources Specialist Working In Government
Dravidi believes individuals who thrive as Human Resources Specialists at Government agencies like the US Attorney's Office are both curious and helpful, possessing a genuine love for their work and its impact as "it keeps you going" even when facing demanding supervisors. Dravidi finds fulfillment in the ability to "implement so many things" and create lasting change within a government agency.
What a Human Resources Specialist In Government Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Government Industry
Dravidi wishes someone had emphasized the significant impact possible as a Human Resources specialist, particularly within the US Attorney's Office as a generalist, where "you can learn so much" by engaging in diverse tasks like researching laws and helping people, leading to tangible outcomes and opportunities for unique experiences within the government. The person states that HR Specialists often have the chance to do "pretty cool things."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Government Human Resources Specialists
Dravidi suggests that the HR assistant role is a great entry point for aspiring HR professionals, especially within a smaller office where one can "learn a lot" and gain exposure to various HR functions, and highlights the importance of finding a supportive environment where asking "stupid questions" is encouraged for optimal learning and growth. Dravidi also expresses finding a supervisor or coworker that you can really connect with and ask questions.
Significant Career Lesson From A Human Resources Specialist At Government
Dravidi, a Human Resources Specialist at Government, emphasizes that "relationships really do matter" and go hand-in-hand with consistency, as consistent quality work allows people to vouch for one's abilities and open doors to opportunities because "people will talk about you in rooms that you're not in."
College Experiences That Helped a Human Resources Specialist in Government Succeed
Dravidi utilized the career center extensively, exploring opportunities like a women's conference and even a Taco Bell interview, which sparked an interest in learning and development. Furthermore, leaning into a required internship led to impactful community outreach work at the US Attorney's office, which enabled the creation of relationships that opened doors to special projects, setting up the interviewee "to keep applying the things that were learned in college to keep going".
How Identity Has Influenced a Human Resources Specialist's Career in Government
Dravidi's experience as a person with a disability has shaped their career by highlighting the readily available resources and the genuine desire of career services and employers to provide support, emphasizing that "people are not trying to attack you. They're actually trying to help you." This perspective encourages individuals with disabilities to overcome any reluctance to seek assistance, recognizing that organizations are often "prepared to help you" and create inclusive environments.
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