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Vikram, Data Specialist at CA Department of Justice: Advize Career Interview
A career journey that began with sales and quality assurance internships led to a fulfilling role as a Data Specialist at the CA Department of Justice.
The work involves ensuring data integrity, creating training materials for legal professionals, and contributing to impactful litigation services.
Constant communication and problem-solving are key skills, alongside IT troubleshooting and documentation.
The role offers the opportunity to work with a supportive team and make a tangible difference in people's lives, with the chance to develop leadership skills within the department.
Success requires a thoughtful, patient approach, coupled with diligent follow-up. Entry points include data analyst positions and software consulting, and early networking through internships, clubs, and career events are essential.
A Sac State education provided invaluable networking and career resources. Navigating a career as a first-generation student required resourcefulness and a drive to succeed, but also provided unique perspectives.
The biggest takeaway is the importance of being defensible in all work actions.
This path offers a blend of technical expertise, communication skills, and a dedication to public service, making it a rewarding career choice for those eager to learn and contribute.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Vikram Saroay
Data Specialist
CA Department of Justice
Sac State
MBA from WGU
Engineering - Electrical
Government
Data and Analytics
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Career Path of a Data Specialist at California Department of Justice
Vikram began developing career experience as a sales consultant at Best Buy during college, before transitioning to a software quality assurance intern at a local health and beauty startup, where they were encouraged "to really just go in all of it and try to learn as much as possible". Post-graduation, Vikram worked as a software engineering consultant at Design Group, gaining experience with "very large scale engineering projects" for notable companies, before landing their current role as an e-discovery data specialist at the California Department of Justice.
Main Responsibilities of a Data Specialist at CA Department of Justice
As a Data Specialist for the Department of Justice, Vikram's main responsibilities involve ensuring "case related data gets loaded into a platform" called eDiscovery and guaranteeing data validation adheres to DOJ policies, security compliance, and procedures; they also document and create procedures and policies to "train attorneys and legal staff on various workflows."
A Day in the Life of a Data Specialist at California Department of Justice
As a Data Specialist at the CA Department of Justice, a typical day involves a hybrid work schedule, with a focus on "communicating with stakeholders and completing data loads" while ensuring "data quality" and DOJ compliance. The role also includes maintaining the eDiscovery platform, troubleshooting software, attending meetings, and compiling/documenting daily activities to create a priority list for the next day.
Most Important Skills For A Data Specialist At California Department Of Justice
For a Data Specialist role at the CA Department of Justice, Vikram emphasizes that "effective communication skills" are paramount due to constant interaction with stakeholders and vendors, while also highlighting essential "problem-solving skills" for tackling complex issues. Vikram notes the importance of basic IT troubleshooting, scripting, Microsoft Office skills, and the ability to produce clear written documentation for stakeholders.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Data Specialist At CA Department Of Justice
Vikram enjoys working with an "amazing and first-out team" at the CA Department of Justice and appreciates knowing that the work "make[s] a huge difference in people's lives" in a positive way, as well as enabling Vikram to work on cool projects that significantly impact litigation services.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Data Specialist At CA Department Of Justice
Vikram, a Data Specialist at the CA Department of Justice, finds that "ensuring proper communication between the stakeholders and different teams" is the biggest challenge, as misinterpretations of data due to ineffective communication can lead to cases going wrong. Vikram emphasizes that effective communication is a "very crucial and also challenging" skill in the field.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The CA Department Of Justice As A Data Specialist
Vikram enjoys working at the CA Department of Justice because the DOJ ensures that people are helped, and there is immense satisfaction in knowing "my team and I worked on that" when large, public-facing cases are closed. Another benefit is the opportunity to sharpen "leadership skills" since the Department of Justice likes to keep all their employees in-house.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Government Industry According To A Data Specialist At CA Department Of Justice
Vikram believes individuals who thrive as Data Specialists in government prioritize a "slow and steady" approach, emphasizing thoughtful consideration over rushing. Effective communication and diligent follow-up are also crucial qualities for success in this industry.
What a Data Specialist at CA Department of Justice Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Data Industry
Looking back, Vikram wishes someone had emphasized the importance of patience in the data specialist field, as "no need to rush or get ahead of anything" and trying to be an overachiever is counterproductive. The data specialist also underscores the value of being open to learning and relearning skills, along with proactively asking questions early on, as these practices have significantly aided career progression.
CA Department of Justice Entry Level Positions For Aspiring Data Analysts
Vikram suggests that aspiring data professionals can begin with "any entry level data analyst position" or even an internship to understand "how data flow works and data manipulation works." Alternatively, one could follow Vikram's path by starting as a "software consultant" to grasp systems management and engineering before specializing in data analytics.
Significant Career Lesson From a Data Specialist at the California Department of Justice
Vikram, a Data Specialist at the CA Department of Justice, emphasizes the significance of "being defensible" in every aspect of work, because working for the DOJ means that "every email you sent, every message you sent...can be used against you." Therefore, the lesson learned in this particular career is the importance of being cautious and able to justify every action, as well as being able to "work your way backwards," which has played a huge role in their career.
College Experiences That Helped a Data Specialist at CA Department of Justice Succeed
To set oneself up for career success, Vikram emphasized early networking with industry professionals through clubs and collaborations, and trying out internships in various roles to discover what one likes and dislikes, viewing internships as "free education." They also recommend going beyond just attending classes and actively engaging with students, staff, teachers, and industry professionals to broaden one's understanding and opportunities.
How Identity Has Influenced A Data Specialist's Career At California Department Of Justice
Being a first-generation college student presented challenges for Vikram, who "had to figure stuff out on [their] own" without much parental guidance, and learned to navigate this by talking to people and asking questions; this challenge didn't stop them, as Vikram was motivated by the goal to "succeed in this career and help [their] parents and family," pushing boundaries and working hard.
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