This article is written by Rifat Fiaz, IT Project Manager, Nottinghamshire County Council in the UK.

  • The problem: Moving from a role as a quality assurance officer in the private sector to a role in the public sector poses unique challenges.
  • Why it matters: Understanding how my role fits into the bigger picture of the organisation is vital to the success of IT projects in order to provide services and information to the public, enhance operational efficiency and achieve strategic objectives.
  • The solution: Getting to grips with the unique values, goals, regulations, governance and processes inherent in the public sector; building strong relationships with colleagues; and stakeholders, prioritising collaboration and communication to avoid silo working and solve problems are essential.

As an IT project manager in a government agency and department, I manage and coordinate technology projects. My goal is to complete IT projects on time, within budget and with quality. This is very important, as IT projects help government agencies provide services and information to the public, improve operational efficiency and achieve strategic goals. Good IT project management is crucial to ensuring the successful delivery of these projects and the full benefits of technology investment.

Before joining the government, I worked in the energy sector, where the culture and style of working were quite different. The private sector offers more dynamic and market-driven opportunities, whereas government roles tend to provide stability and directly focus on public service. When I joined the public sector six months ago, I soon learned that government organisations have their own culture and way of working. I adjusted to my new role by learning the organisation's values, goals and processes. Building strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and partners was key to succeeding — I got to know those I worked with and built trust with them. I also adapted to complex rules and regulations and stayed flexible to cope with changing situations. I communicated clearly and effectively with all stakeholders and involved them in the decision-making process.

Redefine your definition of success to align with the metrics used in the public sector and recognise the impact of your work in this new context.

Government organisations have their own values, norms and expectations, which are often different from other sectors. I learned about the council's mission, vision, goals and rules by using various sources of information and asking for guidance and feedback from my manager, mentor and colleagues. A vital part of fitting into a government role is building relationships and networks with coworkers, managers and stakeholders. Government roles often require working together across different units, departments and agencies. I established trust, respect and rapport with my team members and partners through good communication, active listening, sharing ideas and opinions and offering help and support.

💬 Let the author know what you think about moving from a private to public sector role by leaving a comment below

I also expanded my network and exposure by joining professional associations, attending training sessions, workshops and events and joining social activities. Government roles often require a high level of competence, expertise and professionalism, so it was important that I improve my skills and knowledge to meet the expectations of my position. I showed my ability to do my tasks efficiently, effectively and ethically. I kept up to date with the latest trends, developments and policies in my field, asked for feedback, learned from my mistakes and improved my performance, which is an ongoing endeavour as I move beyond the initial settling-in stage of my job.

Learnings from a recent delivery challenge

During the implementation stage of a recent project, I encountered a communication breakdown with the network team, resulting in delays in obtaining approval from the change advisory board. Despite my efforts to send regular updates and inquiries, I received no response from the network team. To rectify this issue, I contacted the head of the network team, who investigated and assisted in resolving the matter. This intervention enabled the project to regain momentum and secure the necessary approval from the change advisory board. From this experience, I learned the importance of promptly addressing concerns to prevent further delays and ensure seamless project delivery. In government, where multiple teams are working together to achieve an end goal, collaboration and communication are vital.

Tips for moving into a public sector role

  • Take the time to understand the culture, rules and processes of the organisation you're joining. This will help you to navigate the new environment more effectively.
  • Focus on building transferable skills, especially in areas such as evidence-based decision-making and collaboration. These skills will serve you well in any sector.
  • Seek out mentors within the public sector who can offer advice and guidance as you navigate your new role.
  • Learn to work within the system, understanding the importance of stakeholders and applying your private sector experience to your new role.
  • Redefine your definition of success to align with the metrics used in the public sector and recognise the impact of your work in this new context.

A continual goal to improve

In the coming years, my goal is to become an accomplished IT project manager capable of confidently delivering successful projects in the public sector. To achieve this, I will continue to expand my knowledge of processes and build strong relationships with stakeholders to work towards our goals as a team. I am committed to staying up to date with new developments and seeking out new knowledge that can benefit both my projects and my role.

Done reading? Make sure to share your own thoughts on adapting to and growing in a project management role by leaving a comment below ⬇️

(Image credit: Unsplash)