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.
Policy, Budgeting, Impactful Work, Public Service, Purpose
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
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
Education, Government & Public Sector
Finance
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Impactful role in policy: The role allows for affecting change through budget proposals.
2. Front line of policy: Budget analysts are at the forefront of addressing issues by allocating funds.
3. Purpose-driven work: Remembering the importance of the work to people provides purpose.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I would say not so much the budgeting aspects, but the fact that I work in the policy space. Especially on the front line of it, since we're proposing policy vis-à-vis the budget, it's a really impactful and important position where you can affect change in your role.
In a lot of ways, I think we're on the front line of policy. If there's something that comes up that needs to be funded, then we're tangibly addressing the issue.
So for me, whenever I get lost in the spreadsheets, being able to remember that this is really important to people at the end of the day is really helpful. And what gives me a lot of purpose in this role.