Mark gives us insight into his career as an Administrative Officer in the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
Where do you work & what is your role?
I work as an Administrative Officer in HR & Mobility in the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER).
Can you briefly describe the recruitment process you went through to get your role?
After completing my Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management in 2021. I learned about the Administration Officer (AO) Graduate Competition in 2022, and I applied through the HR stream. I started my role as a HR & Mobility Partner in 2023, and I have been in DPER ever since.
The recruitment process included psychometric testing, followed by an interview during which I delivered a presentation on my Master’s research thesis. It was a great opportunity to showcase my knowledge, skills and interest in a career in public service.
Can you outline your career journey to date?
I began my career in the public service a Clerical officer in Cork University Hospital, here I gained valuable experience working in a fast-paced environment supporting the delivery of public service.
I have always had an interest in helping people and the psychological aspects of work. This inspired me to pursue a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management in 2021.
Since joining DPER in 2023 I have primarily worked in a HR Policy role, but I have had the opportunity to work on significant projects such as the Developing People Practices Project, in partnership with the CIPD, and the Assisted Return to Career Programme. Both projects had a key objective in supporting colleagues across the Civil Service.
What initially attracted you to your role?
What initially attracted me to HR was the opportunity to work with and support people. I have always enjoyed helping others and making a positive difference at work. Having studied psychology as part of my undergraduate degree, I developed a strong interest in what motivates people, and understanding how best to support them at work.
Working in HR has offered the perfect opportunity to combine these interests while making a meaningful impact on people's working lives.
How would you describe your role day to day?
I work on policy related issues across the Civil Service. This includes providing guidance to HR units and key stakeholders on policies such as mobility and secondment, responding to policy queries, and preparing briefing material and Parliamentary Questions.
Are there any key projects that you’ve worked on that stand out?
A key project I had the opportunity to work on was the Developing People Practices Project, a government-wide initiative delivered in partnership with the CIPD. The project aimed to equip HR professionals across the public service with the skills and capabilities needed to address future workforce challenges. As a result of this initiative the Civil Service was awarded People Development Partner status by the CIPD.
I also had the opportunity to contribute to the pilot Assisted Return to Career Programme, which supports employees returning to the workplace after a career break. It was particularly rewarding to work on a programme focused on helping people successfully re-engage with their careers.
What skills are required for your role?
Key skills for my role include strong communication, organisation and time management. I work with a wide range of stakeholders across the Civil Service, so it is important to be able to build relationships, manage competing priorities and communicate complex information clearly and effectively. As my role is policy focused attention to detail is essential.
Have you gained any new skills since starting your career?
I have developed a number of new skills while working in my role. Working in HR policy has strengthened my ability to analyse and interpret complex policy issues and provide clear guidance on challenging queries. I have also gained experience in project management and event planning. In addition, I have recently started a course on Irish Employment Law.
Would you recommend a career in the public service? If so, why?
Yes, I would highly recommend a career in the public service. It gives you a real opportunity to do meaningful work that has a real impact on people and communities, while also providing excellent flexibility and work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements.
The public service also offers a wide range of career progression and development opportunities. In my role I have been able to develop new skills and pursue further learning through training and professional development programmes.
We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Do you identify as a member of an under-represented group? If so, would you feel comfortable speaking about how this has shaped your experience?
Yes, I identify as a member of the LGBT+ community. While it has not had a significant impact on my day-to-day experience in the workplace, I have always felt welcomed and supported within the public service.
It is reassuring to see colleagues, Departments and Ministers actively participating in Pride celebrations and demonstrating their commitment to inclusion and diversity.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work I like reading, music and travelling.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to continue developing my knowledge and experience across different areas of HR. In particular, I would like to gain exposure to areas such as recruitment, equality, diversity and inclusion, and operational HR to broaden my understanding of the profession.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
I hope to continue progressing within the Civil Service and take on greater responsibility. In five to ten years, I would like to be working at Assistant Principal level.