This article is written by Kimberly Mellors, Business Coordinator, Digital Business Unit, Finance, Analysis and System Support Branch, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Ontario Public Service.

  • The problem: Having entered the public service fresh out of university, I held my first position as Senior Tax Compliance Analyst with the Ministry of Finance, Ontario Public Service for 20 years. While the job did evolve over time, eventually I began to feel work lacked luster… my inspiration was gone. It felt as if I stopped growing as a professional.
  • Why it matters: It is important to feel inspired and for our minds to be challenged. The desire to seek new opportunities became real for me.
  • The solution: Brave the world by jumping outside our comfort zones, broaden the search, leverage business connections and welcome the opportunity to learn new skills.

As a seasoned public service employee with 30 years of experience, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to a new role within the government sector.

After years of dedicated service, many employees may find themselves feeling stagnant in their careers and ready for a new challenge. Making a career change within the public service can be daunting, but with the right approach, it can lead to significant growth and fulfillment.

One of the first steps to changing careers within the public service is to assess your strengths and determine where else you can add value. This could involve exploring new roles that align with your skills and interests or seeking out positions with more responsibility and leadership opportunities.

Highlighting strengths

Utilising your leadership skills is another crucial aspect of changing careers. These skills, honed over the years, can be applied to a range of roles and responsibilities. Whether seeking a management role or working collaboratively with others, your leadership skills will make you stand out as a valuable asset.

To obtain higher management roles, it's important to learn how to sell your skillset effectively. Highlight your accomplishments, showcase your strengths and articulate how you can bring value to the organisation. This will help you stand out and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Documenting your successes is another way to ensure success when changing careers within the public service. Keep track of your achievements, awards and positive feedback. This information can demonstrate your value to potential employers and help you maintain a positive outlook on your career.

Make a strong case

Finally, don't sell yourself short. While there are no guarantees, taking the time to assess your strengths, network with others and showcase your skills can help you reach new levels of success.

Whether seeking a higher-level management role, transitioning to a new department, or exploring a new area of the public service, have confidence in yourself and your abilities.

Changing careers within the public service after many years can be a challenging but rewarding experience.

By pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, leveraging your business connections, and being open to new opportunities, you can grow as a professional and take your career to the next level. There are no guarantees, but don't miss the chance to reach your full potential.

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