What I Wish I Knew Before Working in State Government

Monday, December 8, 2025

Speakers:

  • Randi Michel -- Senior Advisor for Technology, Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom

  • Colin Murphy -- Deputy Chief of Staff & Chief Performance Officer for the Maryland Department of Human Services

  • Andrew Self -- Manager: K12, Economic Development, and Revenue, Colorado Governor's Office of State Planning & Budgeting

  • Brian Widuch -- Senior Advisor for Economic Mobility at the Maryland Department of Human Services

Have you considered a career in state government? Are you wondering how to break in or what a day in the life is like? Then you'll want to join us at 7pm EST on Monday, December 8th when an all-star panel of state government officials sit down with PMAA to share their unique journey, insights on pivoting from federal to state roles, and practical tips for aspiring leaders.

This session could not be recorded; however, we took these notes:

Working for a state is a good blend of service delivery and quickly making large impacts.

  • Pros: State government can be slower paced and have better work-life balance. Working for a state, you can be a big fish in a small pond. Leadership is more accessible. The culture is open to change.

  • Cons: At the state level, there are fewer tools in the toolbox. There are fewer people, and the budget has to balance. States don't have international roles with global impacts.

  • Some state roles give politics and constituents more consideration than federal roles do. To do good policy, your leader has to get elected.

    • States must react to and comply with federal requirements, but there is often choice in implementation.

    • Work is different at the beginning of an administration (big ideas) vs. the tail end (implementation), especially on the political side.

  • Job openings and postings can be sporadic. Apply even if you don't meet 100% of the criteria.

    • Jobs are available across the state, not just in the capital.

    • Career hiring is similar to USAJobs without veteran preference. The HR screener is separate from the hiring manager. 

    • Rely on your network to find people currently working in state government. Some political hiring relies on connections.

  • Before you leave the federal government, ask ethics if there are considerations for your new employer (e.g., no lobbying the federal government for X years).

    • Download your SF-50 to confirm your length of federal service in case you want to return.

PMAA AdministratorWhat I Wish I KnewComment