There are four items required to become a government analyst: post-secondary training, related work experience, communication skills, and completing the job interview process. A government analyst reviews government activity reports, annual statements, and auditor general reports. If they work within the government, they are responsible for identifying areas of weakness and working with the department to improve efficiency. If the analyst works outside the government, they critique government performance and highlight areas of weakness to bring public attention to problems.
A government analyst must have a combination of research skills, relevant work experience, and excellent communication skills. The role of government analyst is most appealing for people who have a deep personal commitment to public service and want to ensure that the government makes the best possible use of tax dollars and meets the needs of the citizens. This type of analyst has limited interaction with people outside of government agencies.
The first requirement to become a government analyst is to complete a post-secondary education program. All analysts must have a minimum undergraduate degree. The most common degree is in political science, although it can also be in business, finance, or any of the disciplines that teach analytical thinking.
Related work experience includes research assistant, report writing, complex policy analysis, and writing business cases and critiques. As part of a political science degree, there are a wide range of research papers, projects, and assignments that develop research and writing skills. This type of training can be further enhanced with speed reading courses or advanced research techniques.
Communication skills are critical when you become a government analyst. The level of written communication is much higher in this field. As such, many people work with editors, writing coaches, and other professionals to enhance their writing skills. The art of writing a clear, concise, criticism paper without alienating people takes time to develop. Hone this skill by taking advantage of writing coaching.
When applying for a job as a government analyst, be sure to proofread your resume and cover letter, double-checking for any grammar or spelling mistakes. All government agencies will require a criminal records check as part of the application process. Keep this in mind when applying to become a government analyst.
During the job interview process, most employers have a standard list of questions and are looking for complete, concise responses. Keep in mind that everything you say will be written down and reviewed. Avoid exaggerating your achievements and make sure to answer the question that the interviewer asks.