Public to private – a tale of two sectors

Welcome to Made Tech Insiders, where we interview the talented individuals shaping our organisation.  We’ll explore career journeys, project highlights, and future tech trends, showcasing what makes Made Tech an exceptional place to work and innovate.

Sonia’s move from the Civil Service to Made Tech shows how public sector skills translate into new, positive outcomes in the private sector. She’s found fresh opportunities to drive digital impact, build stronger client relationships, and work with more agility – proof of the rewards in making the jump.

Q: Were you always interested in a career in the public sector?

I was confident that I wanted to study political theory and philosophy at university because I really wanted to shape policies that directly impact our day-to-day lives. With this in mind, I then joined the Civil Service in 2020 on the Fast Stream graduate programme and was very lucky to get to work on some high-profile projects, such as the EU-Exit transition. 

I initially had no interest at all in digital, data and technology (DDaT) and I would go so far as to say that I was reluctant to explore DDaT when I was a student! But whilst working at the Civil Service I got to see the way policy decisions were shaping the growing digital industry.

The more I came to understand and experience the benefits and value of digital services, the keener I was to continue working in this area. So I took on the role of Delivery Manager at Cabinet Office Digital, and then eventually made the decision to move to the private sector by joining Made Tech, where I could continue delivering value.

Q: What transferable skills did you bring to the private sector?

I’ve been able to bring across all the skills I learnt as a civil servant in the Cabinet Office into Made Tech. My ability to communicate and influence have been key transferable skills and have allowed me to build strong and honest relationships with clients and colleagues. By staying open-minded and embracing diverse opinions, I create a positive working culture that supports project delivery.

Being a good team player has been absolutely crucial. Maintaining meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients is essential for the successful delivery of any project.

When I was a civil servant I also had the opportunity to work with a variety of generalist and specialist colleagues, which meant that I could learn from other people’s experiences. This has reinforced my ability to work in strong multidisciplinary teams and developed my knowledge of a wide range of subjects.

I really appreciate the learning environment at Made Tech, which has allowed me to feel comfortable and confident to respectfully challenge and learn from colleagues.

Q: What are the main differences between public and private sectors that you’ve noticed?

From my experience, I’ve found that the attitude towards challenge and feedback in the private sector is openly encouraged. This has been a refreshing change, as discussing feedback and seeking support from colleagues is part of the culture, enabling me to push on with my career aspirations.

There were also distinct differences in working practices. In the public sector, I worked on a project to implement a new policy initiative for a government department, which involved extensive stakeholder engagement and navigating a complex approval process that took several months. 

In contrast, at Made Tech, I recently completed an alpha delivery with DCMS, which allowed me to gain a full understanding of the department’s purpose and value. The agility in the private sector allowed us to then pivot quickly based on client feedback, resulting in a more streamlined approach and faster delivery. 

I’ve found that even though I was exposed to a range of projects in the public sector, my time at Made Tech has allowed me to work across more departments and phases. This has been incredibly valuable for my professional development.

Q: What advice do you have for someone considering a move from the public sector to the private sector?

Making the move from the public to private sector is not as common as I initially thought. The public sector offers flexible work arrangements, competitive pensions, and job security, which encourages many to remain in the Civil Service.

My top tips for someone contemplating this transition would be to really think about what is motivating you to make the move. 

Is it the desire for a different experience, meeting new people, or seeking competitive salaries? Once you identify your motivation, reflect on whether it aligns with your career and development goals. Personally, I was curious to experience a whole new sector and develop my skills as a delivery manager through exposure to different projects across departments.

It can be challenging to adjust to a completely different work environment, but for those who thrive on challenges, like me, it’s an opportunity to develop skill sets and maximise project potential.

There’s a misconception that civil servants can’t adjust to a different working environment. I completely disagree with this.  The skills gained in the Civil Service, such as communicating, influencing, and delivering at pace are highly valued in consultancy and essential for fostering strong relationships with clients.

For those considering this significant career shift, here are some steps I would recommend.

1. Update your LinkedIn profile and start being active: If you’re comfortable, let your network know you’re exploring new opportunities to uncover roles you may not have considered.
2. Reconnect with your network: Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues in the private sector for insights into their experiences.
3. Reflect on your motivations: Think about what you want from this change. Are you seeking a different work environment, new challenges, or a chance to reassess your skills?
4. Do your research: Weigh the pros and cons of the roles and organisations you’re considering.
5. Consider working for an organisation that provides services to the public sector – your ‘insider knowledge’ will prove to be invaluable! 

For further insights, you might find these resources helpful:

Public and Private Sector: Definitions and Examples

Working in the public sector vs private sector: the key differences

Here at Made Tech I’m surrounded by a confident and supportive team, who motivate me to be my best self. If you’re interested in working for an organisation where your skills gained in the public sector will be put to good use, take a quick look at the careers page and see if anything fits the bill. 

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