What a Fiscal and Policy Analyst at City of Seattle Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Government
Sarah, a Fiscal and Policy Analyst for the City of Seattle, wishes someone had explained the role's unique nature before starting; the work is "really interesting," attracting "passionate people" and offering impactful work comparable to philanthropy or the private sector, contrary to initial perceptions of government work as mundane. The analyst's experience highlights the fulfilling and intellectually stimulating aspects of a career path that many may not be aware of.
Public Policy, Government, Macroeconomics, Impactful Work, Passionate People
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. The Fiscal and Policy Analyst role at the City of Seattle involves impactful work with passionate people and is more engaging than the common stereotype of government work.
2. The role draws on macroeconomic theories and theories of change, making it intellectually stimulating.
3. Working in government can be more impactful than working in philanthropy or the private sector, contrary to common assumptions.
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you started?
It's just not something I had ever heard of, and I had many preconceived notions about working for the government. I thought, "I do not want to die in the walls, in the four walls of a gray cube in Sacramento."
I wish someone had told me what I've been saying. It's really interesting and draws passionate people. The greatest minds in history have tried to work on and perfect the macroeconomics and theories of change behind it.
You can do the most impactful work in government compared to philanthropy or the private sector. I just wish that message had been conveyed to me sooner.