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".
Human Resources, Government Jobs, Internships, Volunteering, Career Progression
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dravidi Stinnett
Human Resources Specialist
Government
California State University, Long Beach
Education
Government & Public Sector
Human Resources (HR)
Disabled, Honors Student, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Volunteering and Internships: Dravidi's initial career steps involved volunteering at a senior center and with an afterschool nutrition program after facing challenges in securing a formal internship. These experiences provided practical skills and networking opportunities.
2. Federal Government Career Path: Dravidi's career progressed through various roles within the federal government, including positions at the VA, DOJ, US Attorney's Office, White House (detail), State Department, and the Office of Inspector General, showcasing diverse opportunities within public service.
3. Importance of Networking: Networking and building relationships played a key role. Dravidi reconnected with a coordinator from a past experience to secure a volunteer position and later received a job opportunity at the DOJ through a workforce recruitment program.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Please include any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
When I was at Cal State Long Beach, I majored in Family and Consumer Sciences. One of the requirements was an internship related to the field. I planned to intern at a senior center connected to St. Mary's in Long Beach.
Unfortunately, on my first day, they discovered they didn't have an agreement in place, so I couldn't intern there. I found another internship, but after graduating, I didn't have a job. I was actively looking, checking career portals and going on interviews.
I remembered the coordinator from the senior center; we had connected well, and I learned she had attended my high school. I returned to her and asked if I could volunteer. I started volunteering there while applying for jobs, helping her plan senior events and making patient visits.
During that time, I also found another volunteer opportunity through the career portal in Anaheim. This involved an afterschool nutrition program, also linked to Family and Consumer Sciences. I pursued that for a while.
Later, I had the chance to take on a temporary position as a Social Service Assistant at the VA in Los Angeles. There, I assisted homeless veterans by connecting them with resources. The VA had nonprofit partners with whom they hadn't established strong relationships.
My twin sister and I were watching a special about Strawberry Mansion in Philadelphia. We felt a connection to the stories of the residents, many of whom were first-generation college students or aspiring to attend college.
Around that time, a Repair the World fellowship was announced. This program was launched by the former CEO of AmeriCorps and was based on Jewish values, with initiatives in various cities. Philadelphia was one of the chosen locations.
My twin sister and I both applied to go there. However, they informed us that since we were twins, it wasn't feasible for us to be placed together in the same city. They offered us positions in Detroit or Pittsburgh.
My twin sister had previously done AmeriCorps in Pittsburgh and recommended it, mentioning that I would like it there and that she knew people who could help me. Pittsburgh also had elderly care as one of its initiatives. The plan was for me to go to Pittsburgh, stay for a year, and then return home.
During the fellowship, I was essentially starting from scratch, building relationships door-to-door and creating volunteer opportunities. After a year, I planned to leave.
However, I received a call from a program at Cal State Long Beach called Bender Services. They had a workforce recruitment program and were conducting on-campus interviews. I had previously met an attorney from the DOJ who told me about work-life initiatives and consulting for people with disabilities.
I was on their list, and they called to ask if I was interested in a job at the DOJ. I accepted, feeling a connection to social justice. I interviewed and started as a clerk.
I remained at the DOJ for about six years. I moved into an HR assistant role. When the HR officer departed, I also left.
I then had the opportunity to move to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York as a specialist. While there, I was given the chance to do a detail at the White House to help start up their work-life programs, which was a dream for me.
After my detail at the White House, I moved to the State Department. I initially thought it would be work-life programs, but it was uncertain. I decided to return to HR to find a more stable role.
I went to the Office of Inspector General on the operations side. Then, my old office called and asked if I would come back as an HR specialist for the Southern District of New York. I agreed, and now I am back there in that role.