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State of California

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My current position is a Personnel Specialist. - Staff Services Analyst State of California Employee Review

3.0
Jun 22, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Human Resources is a complement to have under your belt and can open up doors for many opportunities. But I feel that the quote "It's not what you know it's who you know," needs to be thrown out the window because there're others who really want to become more successful in what they do and don't get the chance to because they already know who they want to hire, and if they state internal only that's perfectly fine. I want to progress and I've never been give an opportunity for upward mobility due to my disabilities. If you're ever put in this situation file a complaint or grievance.

Cons

It's a very stressful job, and the pay is underrated, you don't get recognition like you should. Working in Human Resources (HR) should make a Personnel Specialist, either a Sr. Personnel Specialist, or a Staff Services Analyst (G) position, classifications can be abolished to make this happen, although the State of California doesn't do it and that's why nobody stays and the turnovers should be an eye opener. I tell myself never give up, everything is about timing and it will happen when it's meant to be.

Explore other reviews about State of California

5.0
Jan 27, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Family friendly place to work in

Cons

Nothing much as of now

2.0
Jul 18, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work is easy, it can be fulfilling if you have purpose and you really think you are serving the public good. Friends can be lifelong, once established, the day goes easier and politics is manageable. Union, they seem a waste but when you have a documented grievance, it's all you have before it get's expensive. Retirement, what can I say, the golden handcuffs.

Cons

Management, mostly poorly educated, croneyism and nepotism is rampant. There are a few gems at all levels, but they are few and far between. Tribalism, pick a flavor and support your friends or you'll be sorry, Monsters, the micro-manager is not urban legend, but real. Hang around long enoigh and you'll encounter them, learn how to use the Union and understand it's not you but the broken system. Some managers literally believe the grievance process is part of good management. HR, basically the tool of management to support the rampant incompetence, croneyism and nepotism. HR has an underground sytem to track malcontents through their apps, it's subtle, go read between the lines. IT, you will learn to love the outdated technology Budget, a joke, it's just a placeholder to shuffle money to pet projects. If private businees budgeted this way, they'd be bankrupt overnight but overwhelmingly successful.

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