Career story: Advice for cross-sector innovation

What does a day in your shoes feel like? And what are the key skills that can make or break a career in your field?

We asked a diverse group of Apolitical members to share their career story with us and the tips they have for junior public servants. In this article, Anna Valuev explains why finding a mentor — and in turn mentoring others — should be standard practice for the younger generation of those working in government

What is your role in government and how do you spend your time on a standard workday?

I am an Impact Strategist and Head of Educational partnerships for the Opportunity Project, an innovation program within the US Census Bureau. Through 12-week virtual technology development sprints, the Opportunity Project brings together technologists, government and communities to rapidly prototype digital products — powered by federal open data — that solve real-world challenges for communities across the country.

My role involves developing and implementing strategies that ensure the program's longevity and reach. I am responsible for launching and facilitating a new sprint comprising technologists from universities and other academic institutions, which will run for the first time in September to align with universities' autumn semester.

What is your favourite part of your job? What would you change if you could wave a magic wand?

My role also involves thinking about what aspects of our program work best and working to scale them. As head of educational partnerships, I spend a great deal of my time in conversations with faculty and staff at universities who are interested in getting involved in the Opportunity Project. These range from data science professors to heads of innovation and entrepreneurship programs. Learning about the programs they run and how they might align with our work is very interesting. And I meet some incredible people!

In your opinion, what are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

Tactically, I think that the ability to write and speak eloquently is incredibly important, as these skills allow you to communicate with a wide audience and ensure that your message is heard.

Working in government, flexibility and agility are also key, because projects don't always go the way you anticipated, and it's important to be able to think on your feet and get creative.

I've found that those around you are typically very willing to have conversations about your career and interests, as well as share advice from their own

What advice would you give to young public servants who are interested in a career in your field?

My biggest piece of advice is to find mentors you admire. Stay connected with people who share your passions and have worked in roles or areas you are interested in. I've found that those around you are typically very willing to have conversations about your career and interests, as well as share advice from their own.

You will likely have a lot in common with others with similar interests, and if you find those people early on, they will help you learn about the field and assist you in navigating next steps along the way. But be sure to pass that mentorship forward as well and be a resource for students and other young public servants. — Anna Valuev

(Picture Credit: Unsplash)