Rachel, OFM Training Director at Federal Agency: Advize Career Interview
A career path beginning with a speech communication degree and administrative work led to a high-level national director role at the Department of Veterans Affairs, culminating in a current position as an Office of Financial Management Training Director at a Federal Agency.
This journey showcases proactive opportunity-seeking, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and excelling at every level.
The work involves managing budgets, overseeing a diverse training team, and strategically planning for future agency needs, focusing on supporting the nation's veterans.
A typical day requires flexibility and prioritization, managing communications and recruitment efforts.
Success in this field demands a servant's heart and a keen appreciation for the mission, with entry-level opportunities available via USAJOBS.gov in various fields.
The most valuable lesson learned is the power of listening effectively before speaking, along with the importance of consistent effort in undergraduate studies.
The interview reveals a challenging but ultimately rewarding career path, offering significant impact and opportunities for growth within a federal agency.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachel Larson
OFM Training Director
Federal Agency
Iowa State University
Medical, Sciences & Related
Government
Operations and Project Management
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Career Path of a Financial Management Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel's career path began with a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and a minor in technical writing from Iowa State University, followed by administrative work at the United States Postal Service where they pursued "detail opportunities" and adjunct teaching at Drake University while earning a master's degree. This led to a federal career at the Department of Veterans Affairs, culminating in a high-level national director role for financial management, demonstrating a proactive approach of "exploring every avenue" and seizing opportunities.
Main Responsibilities of an Office of Financial Management Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel's main responsibilities as Office of Financial Management Training Director include ensuring "taxpayer dollars...are used in the best way possible" for veteran support, overseeing a geographically diverse training team, and strategically planning for future agency needs. This involves managing budgets for contracts and conferences while focusing on both current fiscal responsibility and long-term vision for "internal customers and...nation's veterans."
A Day In The Life Of An OFM Training Director At A Federal Agency
A day for Rachel, the OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency, begins with prioritizing tasks from Washington, D.C., requiring "flexibility" due to the constantly changing demands of supporting national agency initiatives. This involves managing emails, calls, meetings, and recruitment efforts, leveraging their almost 30 years of experience in "review of resumes, review of looking at best qualified and conducting interviews."
Most Important Skills for an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel, a Federal Agency OFM Training Director, emphasizes the importance of "excelling at every level" and continuous learning for career progression to a senior position, requiring skills like team building in virtual environments and strategic thinking with a long-term vision— "thinking about four and five years from now."
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Training Director at a Federal Agency
Rachel, an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency, identifies a significant challenge in "hiring," stating that the agency struggles with "finding the best and brightest minds" at entry-level GS 5-7 positions, which are crucial for upward mobility to the GS 12-13 roles Rachel recruits for. This nationwide hiring deficit impacts the agency's ability to maintain a steady stream of qualified candidates and poses a substantial obstacle to organizational growth.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Federal Government Industry As A Training Director
Rachel's favorite aspect of working at a federal agency is the opportunity to interact with "senior executive service staff, as well as political appointed staff," including visits to headquarters "one block from the White House." The most rewarding element, however, is "serving our nation's veterans."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Federal Government, According To An OFM Training Director At A Federal Agency
Rachel, an OFM Training Director at the Department of Veterans Affairs, highlights that success in this federal agency requires "a servant's heart," driven by a strong appreciation for the mission and those served, as the compensation structure is not as robust as the private sector. The significant reward is the impactful work improving veterans' lives.
What an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Government
After 30 years as a federal employee, Rachel, a newly appointed OFM Training Director, discovered the significant shift in responsibilities that accompany senior leadership, noting the need for "keener appreciation of how best to manage up" to executive leaders and political appointees. The position also demanded a change in work style; Rachel learned the importance of delegation and trusting staff, shifting from a "handling all the things myself" approach to empowering others.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Federal Employees
Federal agencies, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, offer numerous entry-level positions accessible via USAJOBS.gov, ranging from office-based roles to fully remote options across diverse fields like law, science, accounting, and human resources; a strong academic record and relevant internships significantly increase applicant competitiveness, as illustrated by the interviewee's own career progression from administrative roles at the United States Postal Service to their current position leveraging a speech communication degree.
Significant Career Lesson From An OFM Training Director At A Federal Agency
Rachel's most significant career lesson emphasizes the importance of "listen[ing] more than you speak effectively," a principle leading to concise and articulate communication, as exemplified by the agency's "brief and be gone" briefing style. This approach of thoughtful listening before speaking has been critical to their success.
College Experiences That Helped an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency Succeed
Rachel, an OFM Training Director at a Federal Agency, emphasizes the importance of consistent effort in undergraduate studies, stating that "showing up, going to classes, doing the work assigned, studying, and just...knocking it outta the park" is crucial. The interviewee reflects that "the time...was a gift" and advises using time wisely during college.
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