My career story: Corrado Coppa
Job title and department or organisation
Corrado is a Telecoms Analyst at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). His role matches the role of Grade 7 Operational Researcher in the AF Career Framework.
Grade
Corrado works at Grade 7 level.
Profession and entry route
Corrado is a member of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS). He was previously a member of the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD).
Corrado joined the Civil Service at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level on a Graduate Trainee Actuary programme.
Corrado’s career path
I have worked as an analyst in the Civil Service for the past 10 years, and I have really enjoyed it! I’m based in London, a city I fell in love with when I first came to live in the UK from Italy during high school. After completing my undergraduate degree in Mathematics, I returned to London in 2011 to study for a master’s degree in Philosophy of Science.
I joined the Civil Service in September 2012 on a graduate scheme for GAD as a Junior Trainee Actuary at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level. I was promoted to a Senior Trainee Actuary at Senior Executive Officer (SEO) level in December 2014 after I completed the first stage of the actuarial exams. I then decided to move sideways to become an Actuarial Analyst in August 2016.
Although I enjoyed working at GAD, I felt I wanted to try something different and experience what analysts did in other parts of government. The GORS profession most closely matched my previous experience and interests, so it felt like the best fit. In June 2018 I moved to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and changed profession. I joined GORS on a level transfer at SEO grade. I worked on several analytical projects and then in February 2020 I was promoted to a Grade 7 Telecoms Analyst role.
In February 2023, following departmental changes I transferred to the newly created Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). I am still working in the same role, heading up the team responsible for geospatial analysis for mobile telecoms.
I chose a career in analysis because I have always had a passion for mathematics, so it was the most natural area of work to give me the opportunity to work with quantitative data and models. I also wanted to work in the public sector and chose a career where I could contribute to the public good.
The flowchart shows Corrado Coppa’s career progression from master’s degree to current role. It shows a step-by-step journey of the roles Corrado has worked in to achieve his current grade and experience. Enlarge the flowchart.
The main goal of my directorate is to provide high speed, nationwide digital connectivity to the UK. To support this, I have previously worked on the business case for the Shared Rural Network which involved quantifying the benefits of improved mobile coverage as part of a £1 billion deal to end poor rural mobile coverage. More recently, I have been working on analysis to support the development of government interventions to improve broadband for Very Hard to Reach Premises.
I also worked on the initial business case for the Government Emergency Alerts service.
I really enjoy what I am doing but I would like to develop my skills further in geospatial analysis and advanced Operational Research modelling techniques.
In the future I may consider broadening my analytical experience or seek a promotion. I want to make sure I can find a role in an interesting policy area that still allows me to continue doing analysis as well as managing teams and overseeing the work of other analysts.
I am proud of my work on the Shared Rural Network project. Mobile coverage is being improved and people will be able to see better levels of connectivity because of this project. It is great to see the positive effect my work has on the public and I am proud to work on projects which help people.
Coming from an international background, I am also proud to contribute to the diversity of the Analysis Function. We bring different skills and experiences to the Function and help to reflect the UK society as a whole. In fact, over the last few years I have also volunteered as co-chair of the staff network representing EU nationals and international colleagues in my department.
My greatest challenge is making sure the analysis I produce can influence policy decisions. I need to share complicated analysis in an easy-to-understand format for policy colleagues and be clear about the implications this data has on the policy we want to implement.
Corrado’s advice
Take the opportunities that are presented to you, even if they do not look like the right opportunities for you at first.
There have been a few times in my career where I have been asked to work on a project or area which I would not have chosen myself. But I have always learnt a lot by going outside of my comfort zone and trying new things. It helps you to develop more broadly as an analyst and Civil Servant, and it enables you to get those career opportunities you want.
Also, try and get involved in the analytical community for your profession or department. Volunteering to help is a good way of making connections outside of your team and building your knowledge of a broader range of analysis will make your working life more interesting.
This career story was published on Tuesday 1 August 2023.