Ashley S.
About me
| Ashley S. | |
| Social Policy and Social Work | |
| Public Administration - International Development | |
| Taught Postgraduate | |
| Wentworth | |
| 2021 | |
| Jamaica |
My employment
| Director, Policy and Standards (Acting) | |
| Government of Jamaica | |
| Jamaica | |
| Government and civil service |
More about Ashley
Like this profile?
Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.
A day in the life of a Director, Policy and Standards (Acting) in Jamaica
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I work within the Central Government of the Government of Jamaica. The entity I work for is a Centre of Excellence for public sector human resource functions.
What do you do?
I facilitate the entire policy cycle, from concept to execution to review for my entitiy as well as Ministries, Departments and Executive Agencies. The area of specialty, however, is Public Sector Human Resources.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I have an innate desire to serve people well. Seeing as that is a core output of the civil service, it was and continues to be the right match for me.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
It is not. I have always been drawn to service-based industries as I deeply value volunteerism and development. If it were not the civil service, I would likely be at an NGO or Aid-Based organisation.
Describe your most memorable day at work
It is difficult to pick just one! The one that comes to mind was my first opportunity to be a part of a project team for a local development intervention. The brilliance and desire for reform in the room was empowering.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
The bureaucracy can stifle the desire to take immediate action but I would not trade the accountability that comes with checks and balances at various levels.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
While it typical in occupying a floor in a high-high office building, it is made special in that the work spaces/cubicles are open-style versus being in cordoned off offices; which promotes socialising across functional teams.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I volunteered often and was a part of a Faith-Based (Christian) club for undergrad, where I last served as Vice-President. I was also the distance learning student representative while at York. I learned a lot about collaboration, having strong core values and emotional intelligence, all key skills needed for the corporate world.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I would love the opportunity to work with a regional or even international development organisation. While I love my home island, there is a world out there also waiting to be served well.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Do not think limits. The Earth doesn't stand still so why should you? Be bold in making connections, add value to each position you find yourself working in and never stop learning!
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Career Planning, Public Sector Administration and Reform, Cross-Functional Teams, Social Research and Policy.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Ashley’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Ashley a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Ashley to be your mentor.