Paulina .

From applied linguistics, through aviation, to HMRC middle management.

I graduated from a European university with a BA degree in Applied Linguistics in 2 foreign languages almost two decades ago, I specialised in translation and interpreting; however, in my 20's I switched to aviation industry in pursuit of travels. I have been everywhere I had wanted to go so far and although Covid19 put a sad end to my staff-discount adventures, I have kept fond memories of my travels. Subsequently, I followed my elder sister's advice and joined the Civil Service: first with Department for Work and Pensions as an EO Work Coach working in a Job Centre, followed by an upgrade to HO Front Line Manager with HMRC.

I manage a team of ten caseworkers in project delivery.

My team and I work in a fast paced project delivery environment, with frequently changing objectives. The nature of our directorate implies resilience and agility, projects can change at short notice depending on operational reasons and the caseworkers have to upskill and move on.

Collaborating with fellow line managers helps everyone progress.

There are currently 5 line managers in my business unit and we are a close-knit group, who has each others' backs at all times. We share tasks and workload, supporting our Senior Officer, Business Unit Head in daily tasks. There are opportunities to expand our expertise and stretch our skills in pursuit of career progression.

Reach out and keep looking - changes don't occur by happenstance.

Career progression requires effort - expressing a wish to advance ones' career is the bare minimum; however, you have to do all the groundwork, the homework and make all the effort that comes with it - make friends, link with people, search for contacts, browse opportunities, keep applying, find a mentor, volunteer for even the most mundane activities - you never know whom you're going to meet. Learn the Civil Service job application process and practice it, tailoring the applications to each role - and foremost: read the job ad thoroughly, this will help you avoid disappointment further down the line.