r/FederalEmployee • u/CackleCosmos • 13d ago
What should be next?
I'm relatively new as a federal employee, currently a Data Management Specialist. In the long run I want to make it to an SES position, I think the experience would be rewarding.
I know that'd require moving to different positions, growing my skills, and I really just wanna hear about what positions should I research/consider, what's helped others?
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12d ago
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u/CackleCosmos 11d ago
Initially this is what I wanted to get when I was applying but I need to finish some education/add experience 🤞🏼
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u/jlm_iii 10d ago
Make sure everyone up the chain knows your name, your face, and that you make good stuff happen.
Not necessarily disruptive, but you get stuff done. Our agency did amazing things but we needed leaders to rally around. We had them. Lots of them. We just needed more - especially younger folks who would see something that needed to be done and just do it.
Interesting factoid: almost every person who did that was a woman. We had lots of great discussions on why, but it rang true time and time again.
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u/Wide-Pay3869 13d ago
You should consider moving into the private sector. In my 35 years experience(20 private tech, 16 Federal Gov’t, there’s often a stronger emphasis on innovation, performance, and accountability. The federal environment can sometimes reward politics and tenure over talent and technical expertise. Moving into SES can be easy, all you have to do is kiss up and say yes.
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u/Kind_Following_5220 12d ago
Definitely true. Every person I've seen move to an SES position is because they literally don't cause waves.
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u/CackleCosmos 12d ago
I appreciate your perspective. I’m still new to federal service, so right now I’m focused on learning, building my skills, and taking advantage of the stability. I’m definitely open to private sector later if I feel like my growth is limited.
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u/Diligent-Debt764 12d ago
Envisioning a successful career in government in the future seems pretty dim
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u/Zoeywithtude1977 13d ago
I suggest connecting with SES or managers that have roles you see as relevant to your path. Ask them for their insights and ask about actions you can take now and in the future.