Carolina MPA Career Digest February 2021
Good Morning,

I hope the weather is getting better where you are. As I write this (on Wednesday, not Friday) it is beautiful in NC, and I hope it is for you. (Many of you may know but I love the weather and am consistently aware of it (as a lifelong sailor and outdoors lover it is always on my mind), so in our meetings it will be part of our discussion!) I also hope you are thinking about your career and professional development. Even if you aren't currently job searching, there are a number of opportunities to continue to help you build the skills and relationships that could be beneficial in your future search.

In this digest we'll get back to sharing a few professional opportunities, which will include conferences and workshops, a reminder about a few upcoming events, and a reminder of a few resources.

As a reminder, I am always available to discuss your career goals, help with your Professional Development Plan, and/or review your resume/cover letter.

Lastly, don't forget to connect to the Microsoft Teams Career Services and Professional Development Team - access teams through Heelmail. We encourage you all to engage in the conversation in the teams group, ask questions, answer questions, share resources, etc. In addition to the team group, I am available for individual chat through MS teams (we can also simulate stopping by my office - if you see the circle by my picture is green, I'm not in an appointment and we can jump on a call or chat!).

Allison
Upcoming Conferences
A must-attend event for local government professionals of all career stages and backgrounds, the 2021 ICMA Regional Conferences will bring members and nonmembers together from around the world. In its new virtual format, attendees will discover new leadership skills, strategies, and innovative solutions to help power their organizations and staff members to deliver success to their residents during unprecedented times.
In addition to the new virtual format, registrants can now purchase a registration ticket for their home region and attend all six regional offerings for one, single registration fee.

Southeast Regional Conference | March 11-12
Northeast Regional Conference | March 18-19
Mountain Plains Regional Conference | March 25-26
West Coast Regional Conference | March 25-26
Midwest Regional Conference | April 15-16
International Regional Conference | Date to Be Announced
Wednesday, March 17 • 8:30 am – 3 pm

Registration Fee: $25 for MPA Students (select the Graduate Student Registration option)
 
The 2021 Spring Conference will explore The Path Forward featuring networking, guidance and updates on current topics impacting North Carolina’s economic development community. 

Professional Organizations
Join ELGL - Free

As an SOG faculty, staff, or student, you can join our ELGL membership at no cost!

ELGL Memberships - Add A New Member - email at the top of form should be foster@sog.unc.edu

ASPA’s goal, particularly with our student members, is to help you find the resources you need to connect with others, provide you with a clear picture of the public administration profession and help you learn how to start on their career path. ASPA’s resources—especially for students—are an invaluable starting point, potentially for the rest of your careers.

Access a PDF of the membership application here (https://www.aspanet.org/ASPADocs/membership/ASPAMembershipApplication.pdf); students also can apply online at www.aspanet.org/membership.
Upcoming Professional Development Events & Webinars
Equity Paradigm Offerings:
Back by popular demand, we are offering a weekend virtual racial equity cohort. If you have been looking to engage in robust learning, reflection and direct application of racial equity in your life and work while building a community of accountability and thought partners, our March racial equity cohort is for you.

You are invited to join us for three (3), 2-hour sessions facilitated by The Equity Paradigm. this cohort-style learning series is designed to provide participants with foundational understanding, historical context, and tools for ongoing reflection and growth in racial equity. 

Response to Emergencies That Impact All Citizens: Rights of the Individual vs Health and Welfare of Community
Sponsored by ICMA-RC, ICMA Premier Level Strategic Partner  
Wednesday, March 17 
1:30 PM ET /12:30 PM CT /11:30 AM MT /10:30 AM PT 
Join us for an exciting conversation about real world emergencies in which City Managers used the ICMA Code of Ethics to help them make tough decisions that impacted the lives of their residents. We will discuss what that decision making process looks like and how a community might enforce such a mandate.

Apply here to take specific School of Government Client focused courses.

The overarching goal of this program is to provide professional development opportunities through an MPA co-curricular experience by allowing MPA students to participate in select SOG courses. 
Career Resources
Connect with classmates, colleagues across formats, and stay connected on Career and Professional Development news and opportunities
The MPA Intranet has many resources for your entire time in the program. The Career Pages on the intranet have undergone a major update and are now up-to-date. These pages serve as a great resource for where to start when thinking about your career development, how to write a resume, interview prep, how to network, etc.
Professional Development Plan
  • Email Allison (binkley@sog.unc.edu) to meet to discuss your Professional Development Plan.
  • As the job market and economy have become uncertain, it is especially important to consider your goals and steps to take to achieve those goals.
Carolina MPA | UNC School of Government | carolinampa.sog.unc.edu | Website
The Carolina MPA Intranet houses information and resources for students during the program.