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Justin, Budget Analyst at Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California: Advize Career Interview
Dive into the world of public budgeting through the eyes of a Budget Analyst at the Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California!
This career path began with a passion ignited by student government and blossomed through a Master's in Public Policy and Administration.
Now, responsibilities revolve around managing the state budget, particularly for community colleges, requiring a blend of meticulous budget creation and effective public communication.
A typical day can vary greatly, from intensive data analysis in the fall to dynamic stakeholder engagement in the spring.
Success hinges on strong communication, Excel proficiency, and time management skills, but the constant learning and impactful nature of affecting real change are incredibly rewarding.
People who thrive in this industry are proactive, possess a passion for public service, and are not afraid to question the status quo.
Entering the field often begins with internships at the Department of Finance, and mentorship is crucial for navigating the complexities of the budgeting process.
Embracing unfamiliar interests and gaining hands-on learning, like that from Sac State's public budgeting program, can set the stage for success.
Personal experience, such as balancing family and career, can even become a valuable asset in prioritizing and making informed decisions. This is a role where impact truly meets numbers.
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
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Justin Hurst
Budget Analyst
Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California
UC Davis
Sac State - Master's of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)
Biology & Related Sciences, International Relations & Affairs
Government
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path Of A Budget Analyst At California Department Of Finance
Justin's career path started with undergraduate studies at UC Davis, initially focused on academics and volunteering, but took a pivotal turn during fourth and fifth year when student government involvement, specifically as "effectively the CEO of a nonprofit", ignited a passion for government. After a Master's in Public Policy and Administration at Sac State and various experiences, including a fellowship with the Department of Conservation that emphasized collaboration and public engagement, Justin found a fit as a budget analyst for the Department of Finance, a role that surprisingly involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders, confirming "this is the kind of place [Justin] wants to be in".
Main Responsibilities of a Budget Analyst at the State of California
Justin's responsibilities as a Budget Analyst at the Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California revolve around managing and presenting the state budget, particularly for community colleges, and analyzing policies that impact it, which involves a cyclical process of resource assessment, public communication, budget defense in hearings, and incorporating feedback to finalize the budget act, also including "bill analysis" and presenting recommendations on legislative actions, such as in community colleges. With insight in the public sector, Justin's responsibilities require a versatile skillset, transitioning between meticulous budget creation and public relations to defend the decisions made.
A Day In The Life Of A Budget Analyst At The State Of California
A budget analyst's daily life at the Public Budgeting Agency in California varies significantly depending on the season; the fall involves extensive work in Excel, "collecting data" and "putting it all together" for the governor's budget, while the spring is more dynamic, involving testifying at hearings, meeting with stakeholders, and participating in team meetings to discuss budget changes. They described a day in the spring as "a lot more varied".
Most Important Skills for a Budget Analyst at the State of California
According to Justin, a Budget Analyst at the Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California, the three most vital skills for success in the role are communication, Excel proficiency, and time management, where communication is a "dynamic skill" that involves both internal teamwork and the ability to clearly articulate decisions to others, while time management is critical for prioritizing "competing priorities" and meeting deadlines effectively. Excel proficiency is an implicit, vital skill, and includes "little tricks" such as knowing how to implement a formula or copy and paste data without error.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Budget Analyst At The State Of California
Justin enjoys the challenging nature of being a Budget Analyst because it requires constant learning, noting that "you're never really gonna be the expert" due to the ever-changing policy landscape and the emergence of new programs and problems. This continuous learning is a positive aspect of the role for someone who values intellectual growth.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Budget Analyst at a California State Budget Agency
Justin's biggest challenge as a Budget Analyst at the Public Budgeting Agency for the State of California is being comfortable with the vast amount of knowledge required for the role, noting that it is "so rich in terms of context" and that it takes "a few years to get to the point where [one feels] very confident." Overcoming this challenge has been a period of growth, learning to be okay with "not knowing everything" despite prior roles where there was more experience and familiarity.
Favorite Parts of Working in California State Government as a Budget Analyst
Justin enjoys the impactful nature of working in the policy space through budget analysis, particularly the ability to "affect change" and tangibly address important issues beyond just spreadsheets. This sense of purpose, stemming from the direct connection to people who benefit from funding decisions, is what Justin finds most rewarding in the role.
What Type of Person Thrives in Government Budgeting According to a Budget Analyst at California State Budget Agency
Justin believes that people who thrive as Budget Analysts in the Public Budgeting Agency are "go-getters" that take initiative with communication, and also possess "a passion for public service" due to the tough decisions that inevitably impact people. He emphasizes that this passion and understanding is just as crucial as having the hard skills for the role.
What a Budget Analyst at the State of California wishes they had known before entering the Public Budgeting industry
Justin wishes someone had emphasized the "crucial" importance of mentorship in budgeting. They highlight that proactive mentorship-seeking from both experienced professionals and immediate colleagues can break down silos and provide invaluable learning opportunities about shared issues.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring California Budget Analysts
Justin suggests that "putting your foot in the door" via student internships with the Department of Finance is the most effective way to transition into a full-time budget analyst position within the State of California's public budgeting sector. Justin notes that these internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Significant Career Lesson From a Budget Analyst at California's State Budget Agency
Justin, a Budget Analyst for the State of California, learned that "just because you're new to a position," one shouldn't assume existing processes are optimal, as fresh perspectives can identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in existing policy. Therefore, their most significant lesson was the importance of questioning established methods and suggesting alternative, more efficient approaches.
College Experiences That Helped A Budget Analyst At The State Of California Succeed
To prepare for a successful career, Justin emphasized the importance of exploring unfamiliar interests in college. Saying "yes" to opportunities, even outside a declared bio major, like joining student government, exposed Justin to a passion and aptitude for government work that ultimately led to a career as a Budget Analyst.
How Identity Has Influenced A Budget Analyst At The State Of California's Career
Being a student parent has indirectly impacted Justin's career, particularly regarding work-life balance, recognizing that "you can't, you know, put family second," while also influencing decisions such as prioritizing roles offering better time balance and considering childcare costs within the salary. This awareness has become a valuable skill, helping them effectively balance career aspirations with family needs.
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