October is a busy month for career fairs and job seekers across Georgia—making it the perfect time to hear from the people who know state careers best: our employees!

Working for the State of Georgia isn’t just about having a job. It’s about finding stability, building skills, and making a difference in the lives of others.

We asked several employees to share why they chose to work for the State of Georgia, what they love most about their jobs, and the advice they’d give to new hires or anyone considering a career in public service.

A Legacy of Public Service: Darien Clifton Watson

HR Business Team Manager, Georgia Department of Revenue | 18 Years of Service

For Darien, state service is more than a career—it’s a family tradition. Inspired by his grandmother’s 30 years in government, he began his own career in Human Resources.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working for the State of Georgia is the opportunity to serve its citizens through my passion for Human Resources. As a Recruitment Manager, I have the privilege of helping individuals find meaningful employment—an experience that can transform not only their careers but also their lives and families.”

Advice for job seekers:

“Working for the State of Georgia is an excellent way to begin building your career and gaining valuable experience. It’s not just a job—it’s a launchpad for long-term success.”

Thriving Through Collaboration: Alexandra (Alex) Stewart

IT Strategic Sourcing Category Manager, Georgia Department of Administrative Services | 10+ Years of Service

Alex has spent more than a decade serving the State of Georgia. She enjoys professional growth and collaboration across teams and agencies.

“DOAS provides me with the opportunity for growth, development, and learning from some of the greatest procurement minds in the nation within a thriving, collaborative, supportive, and family-oriented work environment.”

What makes her role rewarding:

“My job as a Category Manager is engaging, fun, and exciting, but it also provides me the chance to network and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, all contributing to a common goal of creating the best enterprise-level contracts for the State of Georgia.”

Serving with Pride: Ben Clarke

Trooper First Class 3, Georgia State Patrol/Georgia Department of Public Safety | 11 Years of Service

After serving in the Marine Corps, Ben joined the Georgia State Patrol and found a family-like culture that reflected the values he learned in the military.

“I really love the camaraderie. This department is a big family. We eat together, stop cars together, pray together. Because of this, it never truly feels like work.”

His encouragement to job seekers:

“You truly can make a difference. At some point in your career, you will have multiple opportunities to help someone in a way that completely changes their life for the better.”

Finding Purpose in Service: Maleika McMillan

Associate Category Manager, Georgia Department of Administrative Services | 12 Years of Service

For Maleika, joining the State of Georgia offered both professional growth and meaningful work.

“I believe that the work done by a state employee can have a powerful impact on our communities. I have also met great people over the course of my career, and it is an honor to collaborate with such talented individuals. Public service matters, and I take pride in knowing that I am doing my part to make a positive impact.”

Building Skills and Impact: Christina Quinichett

Assistant State Signal Engineer, Georgia Department of Transportation | 7 Years of Service

Christina didn’t start out in engineering, but joining GDOT gave her the career path she was looking for and the chance to make a direct impact on the state’s citizens.

“I love being able to see the direct impact of my work on the citizens of our state. Our roads and interstates are an integral part of how we live, work, and play. Being able to make sure that they are safe and efficient is very satisfying.”

Her advice for new employees:

“Go for it! There is job stability in a changing market, good benefits, good pay, and the ability to grow and develop as a professional.”

Your Career, Your Impact

Whether it’s keeping Georgia’s roads safe, supporting employees, building contracts, or serving on the frontlines of public safety, careers with the State of Georgia offer opportunities to grow while making a difference.

Heading to a career fair this month or just exploring new opportunities? Take it from our employees: a career with the State of Georgia offers more than a paycheck—it offers purpose, stability, and the chance to shape the future of our communities.

Check out our Events page for a list of all career fairs and events this fall semester. We can’t wait to see you on your journey!