Introduce Yourself

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Margaret Salazar on June 17, 2008 at 11:53am

Hi everyone,

I think this is a great idea -- we government drones don't have many outlets to discuss our work, public sector issues and policy ideas, and many of my public-service minded peers are in the nonprofit and public sector and don't necessarily "get" government work, which they view with cynicism or at least skepicism. I work for the federal government now, but my background is in grassroots community organizing, nonprofit foundations and nonprofit policy advocacy, mostly on affordable housing and community development issues.

I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I now work in the regional office of HUD doing policy and program analysis of our subsidized rental housing programs. The work is challenging and I enjoy being here in "the field" where we work directly with affordable housing developers and advocates in our community. I am finishing out the Presidential Management Fellows program, which gave me several opportunities to work in HUD Headquarters and attend training on the Hill. I'm not quite sure how long I will stay in the federal government but I'm looking for opportunities.

I'd be interested in using this platform to have discussions with folks working in DC on legislative issues, and also to discuss what is in store with the transition in Administration next year. Look forward to meeting you all!

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Permalink Reply by Isiah Jones on June 19, 2008 at 10:48am

Hello all,

My name is Isiah Jones. I'm currently working for the US Navy as an IT Systems Analyst on the Navy ERP project for the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Enterprise. I started out working as an IT intern back in 2005. I graduated from Penn State University in May 2007 with a B.S. in Information Sciences and Technology (IST) and decided to stay with my command as a full time 2210. I technically work for one of NAVSUP's 5 Echelon III commands, the Navy Supply Information Systems Activity (NAVSISA).

My first interest in service came during the winter of 1999, at age 13 1/2, when I joined a youth organization for kids ages 11-18 called the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps (www.seacadets.org) and the rest is history. Some of that history can be found on my Facebook profile and/or my blog www.isiahjones.blogspot.com.

I found out about YGL through another Young Fed and decided to help start the Harrisburg, PA regional chapter. When I found out about YGL I was so inspired that I created the national YGL Facebook group to help inspire young feds working globally to join, start up a chapter etc. It's great to know that there are other young folks out there who are passionate about service and concerned about who will be the future leaders of our country within our generation.

I'm sure most of you have found yourself in similar situations as myself where you're always the youngest in your organization which most people have been working for longer than you've been alive etc. I'm only 23 but I've had all sorts of jobs since about age 10 and I've noticed how I can't help but challenge the status quo where ever I find it because I've had experiences that make it hard for me to think inside the box sometimes.

Long story short, discovering YGL inspired me to do my best to remain in the business of Federal service despite my issues with the sometimes stubborn, overly political, status quo. Money and/or Power aren't always a person's only motivation especially if you've always had a job and/or leadership experiences most of your life lol.

Well, this is getting too long so if you're curious about anything else feel free to ask. I wish you all well and hopefully I'll cross paths with some of you during the next 35+ yrs of my career.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Murray on October 5, 2009 at 1:46pm

Isiah, I understand that the Navy has quite a PR challenge with its ERP programs. I wonder how extensively NAVSEA, for example, is using communications tools such as posters and social media tools like Facebook, Twitter and perhaps even GovLoop as part of its engagement strategy.

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Permalink Reply by Sterling Whitehead on March 7, 2010 at 5:17pm

Working in the NAVSEA area, I can tell you -- it's going only so well. The attitude is: we have a Facebook page, so we are Web/Gov 2.0.

Changes must be made like announcing contracts via Twitter training in simple Web 2.0 tech (RSS feeds and wikis...even just the basics!).

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Permalink Reply by GeekChick on June 19, 2008 at 1:05pm

Hi!

I haven't really tried the social network thing before (I kick it old school), but I thought I'd give this a try!

I have worked for the Forest Service for 10 years, in various recreation-related positions. Prior to that I was an interpretive park ranger in New York City. My real vocation is interpretation, but these days I find myself pushing papers around. I work with outfitter/guides, campground concessionaires, recreation events, and the like. I'm trying to address some program planning needs on our forest -- ie, developing analyses to help us manage our outfitter/guide programs and recreation capacity.

I am a scientist by education and a closet NEPA nerd. I have also begun to do various art projects in my spare time and have a home studio dubbed the Art Shack (it's a tricked out tool shed).

I believe in Gandhi's famous quote: be the change you want to see in the world. As such, I have chaired a public art committee in my former hometown and currently chair our forest's Green Team. I try to put my money where my environmental mouth is and hardcore recycle, bike to work, have an energy efficient house, etc. I am really trying to lead by example and hope to inspire others to follow.

Taking this a step further, I try to get people involved in government/politics, both at the local level and nationally. Not happy? Do something about it! Get involved! I took my kids to our caucus way back when, so they could see us participate in democracy and learn how precious it is. We even made up a democracy chant on the walk back home.

Thanks for starting this site up. I hope it grows to full fruition!

julie

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Permalink Reply by Allen Sheaprd on March 30, 2009 at 8:05pm

GeekChick,

HI Glad you joined and started a group. You brought people together.

Have any of your thoughts or opinions changed?

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Permalink Reply by Margaret Dixon Harrell on October 1, 2009 at 4:16pm

Hello
I am new (3 months) to the government sector. I work in Administration of Children and Families (ACF) in Region 5.

My prior professional career was in healthcare. I chose healthcare because I am compelled to help others. I have worked in a variety of sectors within healthcare including pharmaceuticals, healthcare providors and healthcare affiliates (ie organ and tissue donation). At the ripe young age of 40, I decided to go back and get my PhD. I completed this process and tried a short stint as an entrepeneur consultant.

My personal passion has always been children and I spend much of my "free-time" working with my children and the children in the community. Dept of Health and Human Services and specifically ACF seemed to be a "melding" of professional and personal passions. I am now in ACF and I am going through the typical learning curve of every new employee regardless of my years of work expereince.

I was recently struck by an short article focused on change the article was titled "From Phase of Life to Way of Life".

Thanks for creating an outlet for new and old employees to learn through and from each other!

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Permalink Reply by Patti-Jo Burtnett on February 9, 2010 at 10:22am

Hi Margaret,

I'm one of your potential customers here in Region 5. I work for Lorain County Children Services in Ohio (Elyria) and I've been here for 15 years. I am the public relations manager and like you, my passion is in creating better oppoprtunities for children. Just wanted to say hi - this is a great vehicle to meet colleagues. (I'm not sure how else I would meet the folks at ACF...) Take care and if you ever need info on the inner workings of a public child welfare agency, I'd be happy to help!

-Patti-Jo

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Permalink Reply by Linda on July 14, 2008 at 1:44pm

Hello,
I thought I'd check out govloop for myself. I've been in government service since 1987. I found my first government position as a GS-303 step 2 in a temporary position. I found my entry level position in the San Antonio Express News and took an entry level test to get into civil service. I'm now a GS-1102-12 as a contract specialist. I've worked well with http://www.usajobs.gov, http://www.cpol.army.mil, https://ww2.afpc.randolph.af.mil/resweb/ and https://jobs1.quickhire.com/scripts/gsa.exe/runuserinfo?Haveusedbef... also known as http://www.gsa.gov and follow GSA jobs links. These are all employment websites for different agencies. I beleive this is where and how much of the agency hires come from; other than internships and presidential appointees. If anyone would like any assistance in using one or any one of these websites, I'd be happy to assist.
Thanks.
Linda

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Permalink Reply by Isiah Jones on September 11, 2008 at 3:16pm

Linda,

Thank you for passing this information on...When you were entry level did you experience some of the same feelings I expressed above? How did you get through them etc?

Respectfully,
Isiah

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Permalink Reply by cynthia gurne on October 20, 2009 at 6:10pm

We started a career management group. I invite you to add some of your career comments and questions there. Your stories are so fascinating AND helpful for others seeking to enter and advance careers.

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Permalink Reply by LJCohen on December 20, 2011 at 11:55pm

Sounds great! Recently interviewed for a GS 11/12 position in my dept, didn't get it so I guess I could use some help so I will be ready for the next promotion.

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