Why We Serve: Michael Rivera
In this series you’ll hear stories from USDSers and learn why they decided to join, why they stay, and how their work is making an impact for all Americans.
Michael Rivera (he/him), Senior Recruiter (& other things) on the Talent Team @ USDS HQ. Previously, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. From St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
What inspired you to join USDS?
At the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), I really valued the work that we did advocating for consumers; ensuring that they were treated fairly. For my next step, I wanted to make sure I could go somewhere that contributed to the public good in a similar way. Seeing how USDS could touch the lives of people in positive ways, in a number of different ways, spoke to me.
What do you want to do after USDS?
Honestly, no idea. I do hope that whatever I do next can also serve in the interest of public good. I like building teams. I like building talent teams where there are none before, so maybe some of that.
What will you miss most about USDS when you leave?
To me, USDS contains within itself a unique brand of ‘try-hards’ who really just want to do right by people in this country. That manifests itself in a number of ways, but more often than not, it’s a delight. As a culture, we are user centered in every conceivable way. Working in government can sometimes feel like you are more process than person, so it’s refreshing that one of the main values is to flip that model on its head. The problems are messy, the stakes are high, and the bureaucracy can be…bureaucratic. But it’s what we signed up for, and finding solutions within this environment is what makes the job great.
No matter who you are or what you do at USDS, you can draw a direct line from your work to the impact it makes on people in this country.
The best of technology.
The best of government.
And we want you.
We’re looking for the most tenacious designers, software engineers, product managers, and more, who are committed to untangling, rewiring and redesigning critical government services. You’ll join a team of the most talented technologists from across the private sector and government.
If you have questions regarding employment with the U.S. Digital Service, please contact us at usds@omb.eop.gov or visit our Hiring FAQ.
