Employer Spotlight: Hennepin County
Hennepin County is the largest county government organization in Minnesota, employing more than 8,500 talented and diverse individuals at approximately 140 sites. Headquarters and many services are located in downtown Minneapolis – easily accessible by bus and light rail. Our 30 departments provide a broad array of services to over 1.1 million residents which lends itself to offer numerous career opportunities.
Recruiter: Scott Vargo
How would you describe your organization to someone who was unfamiliar with it?
When you work for county government, you improve the lives of family, friends, and neighbors. Our work includes transportation and infrastructure, social services, justice and public safety, community health, libraries, and elections. In addition, hundreds of administrators and analysts help run the organization in areas such as finance, HR, data analytics, project management, communications, and strategic planning.
Describe a typical day-in-the-life at your organization for your role and/or for the roles you recruit for?
Communication is key. Regardless of your specific position, you will work closely with a team to serve residents. Your ability to communicate with your team to resolve disputes, articulate strategies and tactics, and define goals is crucial.
What advice do you have for students who are exploring internship and career opportunities in this field and/or with your organization?
Keep an open mind! Government jobs are competitive. Don't be discouraged if you cannot find a perfect fit right away; government offers more career paths than any other industry, and switching between career paths is easier than in the private sector. Plus exploring other opportunities opens your eyes to exciting careers you never considered!
