Emily Joslin
Government Relations Specialist, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, Master of Public Policy 2020, Master of Social Work 2020
What I do
I serve as an intermediary between agency staff and legislators, legislative staff, and constituents. During legislative sessions, I coordinate and participate in the agency's outreach and education efforts for these budgetary requests, working directly with legislative offices and leadership, House Appropriations, Senate Finance, and the Legislative Budget Board. Between sessions, I assist in the development of TPWD's more than $1 billion biennial budget request and our legislative priorities. Additionally, I work closely with agency divisions to implement legislation and to respond to constituent complaints, concerns, and proposals. I believe that everyone in our state benefits from the management and conservation of Texas's natural and cultural resources. But most directly, I serve the 9 million people who visit Texas State Parks annually, the 2.7 million people who hunt or fish in Texas, and the other government employees I work with daily.
What inspires my passion for public service
I have always felt like I wanted my skills and knowledge to improve the lives of others, and that I needed to contribute to the greater good at work. Even if I only play a small part or make something slightly better, it's worth it. Public service offered me the opportunity to spend at least 2,080 working hours a year doing exactly that while also contributing to something I believe in and care about. I also feel much more secure and stable in state employment than I did while working in other sectors.
What I love most about my job
I love that I am constantly learning. I am surrounded by people who have dedicated their lives to being experts and who actively want to share their knowledge. I also love being in a position where I can see for myself how funding generates or supports outcomes. It is one thing to know that there is $1 million to do a specific project, but it is a completely different thing to see firsthand what goes into spending that money to make the project happen. Seeing both sides motivates me to fully show up even when I am frustrated, disappointed, or pessimistic.
My advice for others considering a role in public service
Consider a variety of positions across different agencies, departments, and programs. Try not to limit yourself to only one idea of what you can do. Public service looks so different from one role to another, and sometimes you'll be surprised which one feels like home. Think critically and creatively about your skills and experiences–there are often more diverse connections that can be made across positions than many people realize.