Welsh Government Early Careers: Zakhyia

I was born in rural Kashmir and emigrated with my family to Birmingham when I was 18 months old.  I went to university in Aberystwyth before moving to London, then rural West Wales near Tregaron. Now, I'm based in Port Talbot and work from home and our Penllergaer office. 

My Welsh Government journey began one day in Aberaeron, I was telling my friend about my desire to move to South Wales.  He suggested applying to the Welsh Government. I was sceptical, thinking, "I'm an Asian woman, I don't speak Welsh, it's just for Welsh people, isn't it?" My friend assured me there was a place for everyone in the Civil Service, so I threw caution to the wind and applied.

Fast forward to me landing a job in a private sector recruitment consultancy. On the day I get that job, I receive an offer from the Welsh Government. Eager to move into the public sector, I chose to join Welsh Government, and despite my initial doubts, 21 years later, I'm still here – now as Head of Facilities Management, responsible for teams all across the country.

I started in November 2003 in the Statistical Directorate on a temporary contract and quickly realised I wanted to stay. I secured a permanent position in May 2004 as a Team Support. My first permanent role was working on the Location Strategy, which involved decentralising functions from the Cardiff HQ to various regions in Wales. This role expanded my understanding of Wales and the diverse purposes of the Welsh Government and the links these had to the different regions.

Throughout my Welsh Government career, I've made lifelong friends and received mentorship and support that has helped shape me during some really challenging times.  One of my main highlights has to be attending the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for the work I’ve done on Welsh Government’s Shadow Board – something I would have never expected to be put forward for! 

My advice to anyone considering joining the Welsh Government is simple: do it. Put your hat in the ring. You have value, and there is a place for everyone here. We need people with enthusiasm and ideas. Public service is driven by the desire to see positive outcomes for the people of Wales – if that resonates with you, we want to hear from you!