4# Clenses Witele - Civil Servant at HMRC

I interviewed Clenses Witele, an ex-Civil Servant in HMRC as a Strategy Manager, who shared his experiences working in the UK Civil Service. This is what he had to say..

Briefly, tell us about yourself. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working in the UK Civil Service?

Probably the hardest but simplest of questions.??When I am not working, you can find me in the gym working out or in the boxing ring sparring.??Working out is a hobby I have recently gotten into. I think Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown made a few of us out on a few kilograms, some have shredded it off and some are still trying to shred it off. I fall in the latter.?I am a cardio enthusiast and I am always ready to be challenged on my cardio workout.?

There are a few other things I also enjoy when I am not working. I am a Governor at an Outstanding school in a Primary School and sit within the Finance Committee. I enjoy providing financial guidance and support to the school to manage budgets and make a financial forecast. An experience I gained from the Department for Education.? ?

What was your primary motivation for wanting to work in the UK Civil Service?

Politics. I love politics.?I studied Economics Undergrad degree and during my final year of university, the UK had a referendum to leave the European Union. Every non financial/fiscal economics module was based on EU Exit or Brexit at the time it was called. I understood the significance of politics in the economy. I understood the impact political decisions have on the general?economy in terms of interest rates, stock markets, foreign and direct investments and economic prosperity.?I wanted to work in policy positions that shape or deliver the future of the UK economy once EU exit was delivered. This was such a historic yet crucial time for the whole UK economy.?

How has your journey been prior to landing a job with the UK Civil Service? What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

I interned at an investment bank in the city for 5 months. It was initially meant to be for 3 months but it was extended. The long hours and constant pressure to help clients reach their investment goals often required finishing really late and sometimes working into midnight. I was missing out on quality time with my siblings who were just born then and missing out on social life.?I knew that central government was always a place where I wanted to kickstart my career post university so I built a network of professionals using LinkedIn.?

I would say my main challenge was getting rid of imposter syndrome. This is a challenge many of us face and many others don’t realise we have it and how much it hinders us from opportunities.??I struggled to grasp the ability and understanding I was good enough to secure a role within the central government, I knew I had the ability but did not believe that I can work for such a recognised and prestigious institution that is the HM Government.?Once I connected with my mentor and through contracting at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, he instilled self belief in me and genuine passion, I was able to succeed at interview stages and obtain a role within the project delivery profession.

What essential tips do you have for those who aspire to work in the UK Civil Service??

Network. Your network is really your net worth. It is that simple. Connect, connect, connect, connect and connect. Never be too scared to send a LinkedIn connection request to a professional who is asymmetric to the career path you want to take or within the current role you want to explore. Once they have accepted your LinkedIn request, ask?them questions. I generally find that people are nicer on LinkedIn if you send them a nice and respectful first liner.?If you don’t try, you’ll never know really.