Career story: project officer for infrastructure and transport

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, an anonymous civil servant explains why it’s important to be methodical and calm in their role as a project officer for infrastructure and transport.

What is your current role and how do you spend your time on a standard day?

I'm a project officer in an infrastructure and transport-oriented department, managing projects requiring skills in change management, business process improvement, digitisation, procurement and contract management, and stakeholder engagement and comms.

What did you do before taking up this role?

I've mostly been an office manager, in ministerial offices, and executive officer to executive directors and deputy chief executives.

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

Understanding how to deal with people, including how to motivate, 'manipulate', and balance one's tone to influence an outcome. Work effectively under pressure, be methodical and calm, talk through an idea with the staff you trust, don't panic.

What is your favourite part of your job?

Using language in every document to direct a decision-maker to the desired outcome, whether that's the public, an executive or a customer.

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

Don't look at the wonderful job you had in the past and lament that you lost it or moved on or it changed. Look ahead to the next wonderful job you will either win or make it into a wonderful job. Own it and keep formalising the skills you earn along the way, take any qualification you can that acknowledges the skill set you earn.

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

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