Career story: programme assistant

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, a programme assistant explains why it’s important to seek opportunities to learn from others.

What did you do before becoming a Programme Assistant?

Retail customer care

What does an average day look like for you?

• Read and respond to emails
• Assign inquiries for telephone or written responses
• Proof read briefing materials for approvals and signature
• Review correspondence for mail out
• Schedule and attend various meetings

What's the best part of your job?

Getting to know the various issues of our programme area deals with through direct conversations with other administrative staff, policy analysts, reading service requests and reviewing drafted responses.

What have you done to advance your career or gain a promotion at work?

To move to my current role, I took formal classes in office administration. At work I grab every training offered. I have sought mentorship from two co-workers whose roles I aspire to. One of them provides guidance on any issues I may have with my current role and demonstrates how I can be more effective in my current administrative role as well as develop my skills for the next level. I have indicated my career goal to be a programme writer, and asked to develop that skill through shadowing the second mentor.

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

Be diligent, learn as much as you can in your role and be curious to develop knowledge outside that role. Get a mentor.

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

(Image Credit: Unsplash)