Interview

For my interview I actually interviewed my mom. Her name is Delmy Cuellar and is a Financial Manager for the City of Richmond. Although I was hesitant on interviewing her because of our close relationship, I then realized that it was rare hearing about work from her. She started off working for a small non-profit organization in San Francisco and later decided to get involved in government work about seven years ago. The only change I have noticed over the years is the stress level compared to the non- profit organization. Working for the government is more demanding and time consuming. The following is the questions I asked and her responses

•  Could you describe one of your typical days?

It usually depends on what tasks or meetings I have pending, but it usually consists of doing analysis, reconciliations, attending meetings, making projections, billing, and answering phones and e-mails.

• 2.      What skills are required in your position day to day basis?

Skills that I practice on a daily basis are multi-tasking, managerial skills, group skills, analysis, and doing presentations.

• 3.      What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

Dealing with government officials.

• 4.      How would you say “Incentives” is involved in your career?

Incentive can be getting good feedback from government officials on the budget that has been proposed, and also getting an award for exceeding on budget excellence from different government association. This type of recognition reflects a good performance on following or having good procedures in place, which in a way creates a good reputation for the people involved in the process. 

• 5.      What kind of incentives is involved in your work environment?

The government has better opportunities to find better positions. Also positions are paid on a set scale.

• 6.      What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

Completing projects; participating with group assignments to analyze cost/ revenue or making projections.

• 7.      Are there negatives to your job?

Sometimes government officials can require a lot of information and details this means that there is in depth analysis required.

               From the experience I have in the field I can see how working for the government can be more difficult than working for a private company. She later explained that the difference between working for a non- profit organization and working for the government is that the numbers are a lot bigger in the government. The responsibilities and the meetings that she has to attend are more intense as well.