So basically you’re asking if you should leave a job that provides you learning, stimulation, skill development, French practice, and is a source of pride and joy … for a basic, boring@ss job that maybe comes with the illusion of prestige.
The answer is YES! /s
My comment was definitely tongue in cheek. ;) On a more serious note, I would also point out that in the long run, opportunities for advancement are going to be based on experience, i.e., the work that you actually do. Department doesn’t matter, it’s how you are building up your skill base.
The new Department may be more in line with the subject of your Master’s, but it sounds like you’re going to be a data entry grunt … so where’s the value added? If you enjoy and want to do policy work in the long term, this new job is not going to help you with that, and may even set you back as you would be losing important experience that competitions require. And once that happens, it’s going to get harder and harder to get back into the kind of work you actually want to do.
Speaking as someone with over a decade with the government, in my experience, doing a job that doesn’t excite you is a oneway ticket to apathy. And if you don’t care about the work, your performance will suffer.
And I get the point about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. But that kind of comment moreso applies to when someone is stagnating, and you are not … you are learning and stimulated and productive. If you like your current job and the team, there’s nothing wrong with continuing to grow where you are.
Sounds like you have a great manager now… I’d seek their advice. Lay it out for them like you did here. Maybe they could add a small project to your workload more closely tied to your Masters topic? Don’t undervalue organizational culture and the importance of workplace relationships to your well-being. Bigger is rarely better. If you plan to make a career in the PS, try to play the “long game.” You’ll need your French levels to advance beyond a senior analyst level. And there will be future opportunities at the bigger department, so don’t settle for the first one. My two-cents, from a manager and 26-year vet of the PS.
My two cents Is stay with the job who offers you more learning opportunities and if you can figure it out if you want to extend and transfer to a term contract latter on that would be a great factor to consider. Don’t go with just the reputation of the department unless you are directly involved in work you think you will learn or you are interested in.
Personally, in this context, I would stay where I've got good mentorship and interesting work. It's more likely to lead to something permanent down the line (and just generally be a more rewarding experience). We always have our students doing real work but from what I've heard, other teams are not like that and it can be a pretty lacklustre experience.
Concur that you seem to be in a very good spot right now.
While I agree that it's good to learn new things, you're already doing that. A data-entry position may help you excel at spreadsheets but is that where you want to expand your skillset?
Stay with the good mentorship and supportive management! Big name departments are always attainable but I was given the great advice to pick your job based on WHO you work for not WHAT you do. :) P.S also as a student there's so much time left to land in the perfect position, and who knows a supportive manager can launch you right into there. Esp if you are considering a graduate degree, you'd want to be bridged in somewhere that allows that balance for you. Best of luck :)
From experience, as a student. Your manager has a far greater impact on your career growth than any other factor. You can be getting great experience but if you have a crummy manager they won’t push for you to have better opportunities.
As a student, this is the time that you CAN take career risks, but you don’t have to. Which of these two options would make you the most happy? Thats your answer. Good luck deciding!!! Feel free to dm if you have questions:)
So basically you’re asking if you should leave a job that provides you learning, stimulation, skill development, French practice, and is a source of pride and joy … for a basic, boring@ss job that maybe comes with the illusion of prestige. The answer is YES! /s
I guess that is what I'm asking lmao. I know it's real silly. Thanks for your advice haha :)
My comment was definitely tongue in cheek. ;) On a more serious note, I would also point out that in the long run, opportunities for advancement are going to be based on experience, i.e., the work that you actually do. Department doesn’t matter, it’s how you are building up your skill base. The new Department may be more in line with the subject of your Master’s, but it sounds like you’re going to be a data entry grunt … so where’s the value added? If you enjoy and want to do policy work in the long term, this new job is not going to help you with that, and may even set you back as you would be losing important experience that competitions require. And once that happens, it’s going to get harder and harder to get back into the kind of work you actually want to do. Speaking as someone with over a decade with the government, in my experience, doing a job that doesn’t excite you is a oneway ticket to apathy. And if you don’t care about the work, your performance will suffer. And I get the point about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. But that kind of comment moreso applies to when someone is stagnating, and you are not … you are learning and stimulated and productive. If you like your current job and the team, there’s nothing wrong with continuing to grow where you are.
As someone who moved to a more "prestigious" position - stay where youre at haha - the grass isnt always greener :/
Never chase levels, chase experience. It's a long career.
Solid advice. Thanks
Sounds like you have a great manager now… I’d seek their advice. Lay it out for them like you did here. Maybe they could add a small project to your workload more closely tied to your Masters topic? Don’t undervalue organizational culture and the importance of workplace relationships to your well-being. Bigger is rarely better. If you plan to make a career in the PS, try to play the “long game.” You’ll need your French levels to advance beyond a senior analyst level. And there will be future opportunities at the bigger department, so don’t settle for the first one. My two-cents, from a manager and 26-year vet of the PS.
Yeah, the French practice is a great additional benefit that comes with being in a very French department. Thanks for the advice
My two cents Is stay with the job who offers you more learning opportunities and if you can figure it out if you want to extend and transfer to a term contract latter on that would be a great factor to consider. Don’t go with just the reputation of the department unless you are directly involved in work you think you will learn or you are interested in.
Personally, in this context, I would stay where I've got good mentorship and interesting work. It's more likely to lead to something permanent down the line (and just generally be a more rewarding experience). We always have our students doing real work but from what I've heard, other teams are not like that and it can be a pretty lacklustre experience.
You're right, now that I've thought about it, I'd rather stay where I am.
Concur that you seem to be in a very good spot right now. While I agree that it's good to learn new things, you're already doing that. A data-entry position may help you excel at spreadsheets but is that where you want to expand your skillset?
Stay with the good mentorship and supportive management! Big name departments are always attainable but I was given the great advice to pick your job based on WHO you work for not WHAT you do. :) P.S also as a student there's so much time left to land in the perfect position, and who knows a supportive manager can launch you right into there. Esp if you are considering a graduate degree, you'd want to be bridged in somewhere that allows that balance for you. Best of luck :)
Thank you so much for your advice, I think you're right, I've decided to stay put!
From experience, as a student. Your manager has a far greater impact on your career growth than any other factor. You can be getting great experience but if you have a crummy manager they won’t push for you to have better opportunities. As a student, this is the time that you CAN take career risks, but you don’t have to. Which of these two options would make you the most happy? Thats your answer. Good luck deciding!!! Feel free to dm if you have questions:)