Where should I be working?

June 18, 2015 12:56 AM

I'm currently working at an Australian government department, but I don't see my long term future in the job I'm in, and I am not convinced that another job in the same, or even a different department, would suit me any better. So, what are some good uses for the following set of skills / experience?

I have/am:
- policy experience (about 5 years) and international organisation experience (about 1 year)
- drafting briefings, speaking notes, correspondence, policy and research papers
- developing policy options and advice
- interpreting legislation (I have a law degree but have never been employed as a lawyer)
- good written, research and analytical skills,
- well organised
- reasonably quick to pick up new IT skills (but no formal qualifications/ experience)
- very basic data analysis skills / experience (but not more than average ability with maths)
- introverted personality but good at/ experienced in working in a team (not a natural leader tho)
- effective oral communication skills, not bad at presenting in front of an audience
- strong work ethic, resilience, dedication
- can be trusted with confidential information

My natural interests are in: international relations, psychology, helping the disadvantaged/ social justice, current affairs, education, health

I'm happy to go back to uni and/or move to a different city/country (actually that would be a positive). I have the right to live and work anywhere in the EU.

I would be looking for salaries of $70 - $100K p/a if possible.

posted by EatMyHat to Work & Money (6 answers total)

What don't you like about government work / your current role?
posted by girlpublisher at 4:17 AM on June 18, 2015 [1 favorite]

Third sector?
posted by Leon at 4:22 AM on June 18, 2015

Policy skills translate well to think-tanks, but you may have trouble finding one that will match your current salary. Here is a good list.
posted by girlgenius at 4:25 PM on June 18, 2015

In the social justice field you could look at working in social enterprise (try the Moreland Foundation in Victoria or some of the companies participating in social benefits bonds in NSW).
posted by girlgenius at 4:30 PM on June 18, 2015

Big firms sometimes value the knowledge of government processes/policies, together with any specialist technical expertise. I know people head-hunted into the likes of BHP.

The other path is industry associations, who have a similar interest in good people who know government policy/procedures/programs, and can write/research/communicate well.

You may have to subordinate your 'likes' to meet the market though.
posted by GeeEmm at 7:39 PM on June 18, 2015

Best answer: Other options might be consultancies who have teams specialising in advice to public sector organisations, like PWC. Or perhaps something in the university sector, in the university's own policy & administration sections? Or a move into media, like the research teams supporting current affairs programs at places like the ABC?

Recruitment consultants who specialise in public / third sector might be able to give more ideas.
posted by yesbut at 3:53 AM on June 19, 2015