What Type of Person Thrives in the Public Service Industry, According to a City of Seattle Fiscal and Policy Analyst
Sarah, a Fiscal and Policy Analyst for the City of Seattle, identifies a passion for public service as the key trait for success in her field, noting that "the best people…are truly here because they want to help people." This desire to address complex problems and improve the lives of disadvantaged community members, often those using government services the most, is a defining characteristic of those who thrive in this challenging but rewarding career.
Public Service, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Passion for Social Change, Desire to Help Others
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Sarah Burtner
Fiscal and Policy Analyst
City of Seattle
UCLA, 2014
Masters in Special Education and Teaching at CUNY Hunter College, Masters of Public Policy at UCLA
Economics
Government & Public Sector
Data and Analytics
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. A passion for public service is essential. The work can be challenging and frustrating, but those who thrive are driven by a desire to help others and improve people's lives.
2. Many fiscal and policy analysts are motivated by a commitment to addressing inequality and poverty. They are drawn to the field because they want to make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities.
3. The field attracts individuals who are persistent and problem-solving oriented. They are willing to persevere through complex issues and challenges because they care deeply about creating positive change.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in your field?
They're really passionate about public service. I think it takes a really special type of person to want to do this work, which can be really frustrating, especially when there's a lot of pressure to be in the rat race, make the most money, and do the procedures. I think it could all really get into your head.
But the best people I know who do this work are truly here because they want to help people. I say that too about social workers, teachers, and civil servants. It's all the same kind of person, the best person in my opinion.
These are people who are really getting at these tricky problems, who want to be in this space, and who want to suffer through it because they care so much about improving people's lives. The people who use government services the most are the most disadvantaged in society.
These are single mothers, and people who don't make a lot of money. A lot of people I know in public service come from these backgrounds too. They have a desire to end poverty. You'll just run into so many people like that. Those types of people who want to see that kind of change in their lifetimes are all here doing this work.