WORKING AT USCG
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Perhaps the best way to learn what it's like to work and grow at the U.S. Coast Guard is to ask those people who know first hand. Read what some of our employees have to say on a number of topics involving their U.S. Coast Guard careers.
HEAR FROM OUR EMPLOYEES
PEOPLE WHO KNOW FIRST HAND
LINDA
STAFF ATTORNEY
U.S. COAST GUARD HQ, WASHINGTON, DC
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB?
"I help the Coast Guard write and finalize regulations for publication in the Federal Register. I review Federal Register submissions from the field and I work on regulation teams for headquarter regulations. I work closely with program people to make sure that all the rules are followed for publishing a regulation."
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BEST DAY ON THE JOB. WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL?
"It was when we received a favorable decision from a judge on a case that I defended for the Coast Guard. Before I started writing regulations, I litigated cases for the agency. When I get a favorable decision from a judge, I feel like I have done a good job for the agency, that I have contributed to the overall mission, and that I have possibly saved the Coast Guard some money."
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE ONE THING YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD?
"It's the collegiality. Military members are great. They have a strong sense of service to their country and they know how to get along well with others." WHY SHOULD SOMEONE CHOOSE A CAREER WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT? "I think choosing a career with the federal government is a wonderful way to serve your country. Even though I didn't join the military, I still feel like I am serving my country by working for the federal government, and so I have a sense of pride about doing so. And that makes me feel good because I think we all have to do our part."
RON
HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST
U.S. COAST GUARD HQ, WASHINGTON, DC
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN THE U.S. COAST GUARD?
"I saw working at the Coast Guard as an opportunity for growth. At my former agency, I had reached a point in my career where I could no longer move up and there were no career ladder opportunities. While the position I initially occupied here did not necessarily offer wide promotion potential, my supervisor at the time developed a number of developmental positions which allowed me and other junior-level staff the opportunity to advance."
WHAT IS THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
"I have a great supervisor who allows me to learn and grow, and is very supportive of my professional development."
WHAT ARE THE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LIKE?
"I can honestly say that the benefits here at the U.S. Coast Guard are as good or better than any I had in the private sector."
TALK A LITTLE ABOUT THE U.S. COAST GUARD'S SCHEDULING/WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY:
"Benefits such as flexible work schedules and the availability for teleworking really help improve work-life balance."
FRANCIE
COMMAND STAFF ADVISOR
U.S. COAST GUARD, TOPEKA, KS
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO JOIN THE U.S. COAST GUARD?
"Because of the humanitarian nature of most of our missions."
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB?
"I work to ensure that my assigned organizations receive HR support that will enable managers to classify and fill their jobs with high quality candidates in an efficient way. I also help ensure that employees better understand the HR process and know how to get their HR questions answered."
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE ONE THING YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT THE U.S. COAST GUARD?
"I get a great sense of fulfillment in working with employees and applicants on a day-to-day basis — and seeing how my small contribution does its part to help the agency achieve its mission."
WHY SHOULD SOMEONE JOIN THE U.S. COAST GUARD?
"What the U.S. Coast Guard has given me that I have found unique in my 29 years of government service has been the opportunity to do a job that is personally gratifying and has a direct tie-in to the Coast Guard mission — all in a close-knit, supportive atmosphere. You just won't find that combination in very many other places."