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’ve 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, Elaine Montilla explains why it’s important to be committed to your own growth in their role as an assistant vice president and CIO for IT.

What is your current job title?

Assistant Vice President and CIO for IT

How do you spend most of your time on an average day?

Attending meetings and making decisions.

What did you do before?

Before being a CIO, I was the Director for the Client Services Unit and managed the desktop support team

What are the most important skills someone needs to excel in your field?

Emotional Intelligence, Public Speaking, Financial and Project Management.

What's the best part of your job?

Watching my team grow and evolve as more complex issues emerge

What advice would you give to future public servants interested in a career in your field?

Be committed to your own growth (consider yourself a student for life), speak up when needed, and always give more than you are asked for.

Want to share your own career story with the Apolitical community? Use this form to let us know about your job.

(Image Credit: Unsplash)

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