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, Rui Kelly Li explains why it’s important to be flexible and adaptable in their role as a senior policy analyst with the Government of Canada.

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

I’m currently a Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada. There are Regional Development Agencies across Canada, each responsible for place-based economic development in their catchment area. I work for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, a region that is a leading generator of the national GDP. On a typical day, I may design tools to support the implementation of programs that assist in business scale-up, strengthen local innovation ecosystems, address the particular economic challenges that exist in underrepresented communities, conduct analyses on best practices, as well as coordinate efforts to take a more user-centred approach to engage with Canadians.

What did you do before taking up this role?

Prior to my current role, I was a Senior Policy Advisor with various departments at the Ontario government, including the Ministry of Education, Immigration, and the Treasury Board Secretariat. My work was diverse and interesting, as it included leading consultations with educators to better realize the full potential of students with special needs, managing programs to help internationally trained newcomers to find employment in their field, and developing and interpreting procurement policies to ensure the appropriate use of public funds. With each experience, I strengthened my skills, deepened my knowledge base and applied all of this to the next opportunity.

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

Communication is key to excelling in the policy field, as advisors are called upon frequently to deliver verbal briefings and write concise, insightful analyses clearly outlining a problem, possible options, and rationale for recommendations. Equally important is the ability to work with others, not just in person but also remotely using digital tools. These are skills that are honed over time and are transferrable to other policy jobs.

Be flexible and adaptable, and be ready to pivot to emerging and future trends that could shape a new normal. Acceleration of digitization, e-commerce, and climate change, for example, can significantly influence a government’s approach to post-pandemic recovery and growth.

What is your favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is being at the intersection of strategic policy and operations, which allows me a unique view into the different considerations taken into account in designing and developing tools and processes. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues across the region and other parts of Canada remotely, to share information and discuss solutions to common challenges. At the end of the day, I like knowing that my work contributes to building stronger, greener, and more resilient communities around me.

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

Respectful networking: This may seem like an obvious one, but if you were able to talk to an expert in their field, it is always good practice to respond promptly, and thank them for taking their time in speaking to you.

Be open-minded: You may begin your career with a specific area to work in, but be curious and willing to learn about other options that may also fit your skills and interests.

Persistence: The career you seek may not materialize immediately, and it is important to take the time to regroup and reassess after setbacks. Be humble and learn what you could do differently in the future, and don’t forget to look after your mental health.

My LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruikellyli/

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