When Kira Tebbe graduated from Yale in 2017 with a degree in Sociology and Applied
Mathematics, she wasn’t totally set in a career path. After spending some time in a “traditional tech role”, Kira realized that for her, believing in the impact of her work was indispensable. She then moved to working in a mission-driven for-profit as a data scientist, which eventually led her to pursuing an MBA. During this time, Kira states that she “learned as much as I could about the social impact sector, diving into non-profits, corporate social responsibility programs, foundations, and government”. She also mentions that her undergraduate experience helped develop skills to succeed in her career. “My involvement and leadership in clubs were foundational in my professional career so far” muses Kira. “They gave me the experience in coordinating a team towards a goal, juggling multiple tasks at once, and handling last minute changes, all skills I use constantly in my work”. Ultimately, her passion and experience made her a perfect fit for the U.S. Digital Corps.
To become a Fellow, Kira participated in the interview process during the final year of her MBA program. After submitting her resume, she had a take-home assessment, a phone screen with a product manager, and a panel interview with two people on her team. After graduation, Kira was ready to start her fellowship in Washington D.C. As for advice, Kira says that “regardless of what position you’re applying for, your ability to clearly communicate your past experience and
relevant skills will serve you well”.
For Kira, the “environment” of the USDC is one of the most appealing aspects. “Working at a sports team will put you next to people who also enjoy cheering at a game. By working in federal service now, I work with people who are passionate about giving back to others”. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. Being surrounded by people who share the same passion towards public service keeps spirits high and allows for plenty of inspiration.
Another notable benefit of the USDC is the sheer amount of support available. “I lean on both my USDC supervisor and my agency manager, which gives me twice the opportunities for guidance and feedback” says Kira. Professional coaching is also available from the Federal Coaching Network, as well as the “Fellow Friend” program that matches Fellows between cohorts for support and mentorship. Fellows are also eligible for professional development budgets to spend on conferences, books, or certifications. Looking back, Kira says “the challenges I work on are some of the most complex of my career, and I feel grateful to have multiple support structures and collaborative peers to help me succeed”.
Working at the USDC presents a unique opportunity to utilize STEM experience to make
meaningful change in the public sector. According to Kira, “I was drawn to public service for the opportunity to positively influence people’s lives and apply my skills on a broader scale”. If this resonates with you, check the official US Digital Corps website for more information on how to apply https://digitalcorps.gsa.gov/.
Learn more about the application process here: https://digitalcorps.gsa.gov/process/
Written by: Xavier Guaracha, Class of 2025
