Supervisor Interview/Profile

Here at the State Department I have the great privilege to work for an enthusiastic and intelligent supervisor. Her main responsibilities include, but aren't limited to, contacting constituents, dealing with upper management, organizing hometown diplomat sessions, preparing informal briefings, and contacting various universities to schedule events.

These are functions that are extremely important to the State Department and it is through these methods that we connect and engage with the general public. This form of connection is a big part of how the Federal Government is able to leave its footprint at a domestic level. My supervisor is great at this job not only because she is motivated, but she loves connecting with people through casual conversation, informed speaking, or anything in between. When you work in the public sector let alone an office dedicated to engaging with the public, these are necessary attributes.

When we talked about how she got to where she was, she assured me that for this kind of job you have to be good with people. Friendliness goes a long way wherever you go and working in this office has shown me just how important that is. I've always been polite, sociable, and easy-going but I was unclear of how or if working with others would change at the federal level. My supervisor has shown me that the ability to interact with others in an approachable and friendly manner are keys to success no matter where you go and those are big reasons why she has found success in her career.

If there were any new trends that have become increasingly crucial in the public sector these days, it's the obvious emergence of social media and the continuous influx of new technology. In the world we live in connecting with others comes in so many more forms than just talking. Now, our office emphasizes the importance of social media and other forms of communication such as Skype, hangout, and chat. These common conveniences help us reach out and connect with others in ways that just weren't possible seven years ago. Thanks in part to my supervisor, I've witnessed the importance of using new methods of communication.

The verdict is still out on what specifically I wish to do career-wise. However, working here thus far and having first hand exposure to people who work in the public sector reaffirm my belief that a position dealing with people or administrative type work is a good fit for my personality. I could definitely see myself doing more of this kind of work.