Carolina MPA Career Digest February 2022
Good Morning,

Happy end of February. As I continue with my running analogy, I think about injuries, similar to setbacks in the job search process. I recently ran a race and ended up with a leg injury, I'm considering doing a longer race in a few months, and this felt like a huge setback, but I had to remind myself that a few days of rest would not derail my future race, but injuring myself further would. This is similar to your job search. You had a great interview, or found a great job, only to not receive the offer, a potential setback. But considering the situation, reevaluating your options (other jobs out there, practice you can do to improve your interview skills, reevaluating your goals, etc.), taking that "rest" can help you as you continue to pursue your goals. Not taking that time to "rest" or reflect can lead to negative thoughts, and potentially not getting the next job too! Setbacks happen, we don't get everything we want, but reevaluating and resetting can help us achieve our goals (and hopefully not get injured).

In this Career Digest, I will share a few professional development opportunities, which will include conferences and workshops, upcoming events, and a few resources.

I am always available to discuss your career goals, help with your Professional Development Plan, and/or review your resume/cover letter, help with your job search, and/or help as you negotiate a job offer. Wherever you are in the program or in your professional journey, I'd love to connect and help you develop your plan for next steps!

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 - chat me anytime.

Allison
Professional Development Opportunities
Complimentary ICMA Coaching Program webinars give local government professionals of all career stages the opportunity to bolster skills and learn about new and leading practices, strategies, tactics, developing issues, and trends in the profession of local government management.
ALL WEBINARS BEGIN AT 1:30PM EASTERN
  • Thursday, April 14 Community Engagement: The Art of Doing it Well
  • Wednesday May 18 Managing Council/Staff Relationships in an Election Year
  • Thursday June 16 The Generational Workforce: Why it's Important to Know the Work/Lifestyles of your Teammates
  • Thursday September 8 Organizational Culture: Use the Return to Work to Attract and Retain Talent
  • Thursday October 20 Alternatives to Silos: Leadership at Every Level
  • Thursday November 17 Everyone Has Personal Challenges: How to Balance Personal Requirements and Organizational Demands

As you all may know, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has been a pillar in the MPA Strategic Plan. We are in the process of developing strategies around our DEI goals and welcome any feedback you have on this.

One DEI-related suggestion that came from students was to create structured identity groups for underrepresented students of similar identities to have a space to connect. After input from various student leaders, faculty and staff of the MPA program, and the Graduate School here at UNC we would like to announce Identity Groups and Interest Groups in the MPA Program. 


The identity and Interest Groups are a great way to make connections, build social capital, and engage with others who have similar identities/interests as yourself. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities!
Developing a Communication Plan: A Guide for Food Policy Councils. We were inspired to develop a guide after the community of practice we hosted in 2019-2020. Many thanks to the FPC staff and members who reviewed this guide: Qiyam Ansari, Abby Gold, Kristina Kalolo, Miaisha Mitchell, Robbi Mixon, Michelle Tsutsumi, Renea Wood, and Kate Wright.
In each International Digest, readers can expect a series of articles exploring a career path in local government from a global perspective. The series will explore features and functions of careers that are both specific and universal to career experiences for working in and managing local governments. We kick it off with “12 of the Best Job Interview Questions to Ask Local Government Candidates.”
Deil S. Wright Lecture with Professor Mary Guy, "Fired Up, Burned Out, or Both? Making Sense of the Public Service Workforce."

A friendly reminder to register for three upcoming opportunities to hear from, and engage with, Professor Mary Guy next Thursday, March 3rd.  NOTE- Separate registration is required for each event. You must register by February 28th.   All events (Lecture, Lunch, and Reception are free).
  
  • March 3rd , 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Knapp-Sanders room 3301, Lunch and Learn with Mary GuyRegister here (meal preference can be selected as part of your registration). NOTE - lunches will only be ordered for those who complete the following registration form (in person only).

  • March 3rd , 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.- The 2022 Deil S. Wright Lecture, “Fired Up, Burned Out, or Both? Making Sense of the Public Service Workforce.” explores how those who deliver public services – elections officials, public health professionals, police officers, teachers, caseworkers, parks & rec workers, city bus drivers – are the nerve endings of the policy process and speak towards challenges confronting the workforce, what happens when state meets street, and changes on the horizon. 
  • In-Person Registration, Knapp-Sanders room 2603 - Register here.   
  • Virtual Registration - Register here to receive a zoom link
 

 The Hunt Institute is seeking candidates for the John M. Belk Impact Fellowship! This opportunity is great for current students who are interested in Education, Public Policy & Non-Profit Leadership, as it provides hands-on experience and a dive deep into the education policy landscape of North Carolina and beyond. Students will gain experience across a wide array of focus areas in the non-profit arena.
 Applications are open and will remain open until March 21, 2022. 
Information Sessions
 Our information sessions will include application details & tips and a chance to speak with our current fellows. We strongly encourage interested students to register for the information session to have access to application information.

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
  • If you've joined in the past your membership should renew

ELGL Benefits:
  • Jobs Newsletter, join ELGL to get curated jobs from all over the country in your mailbox!

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.
MPA and SOG Resources

In Case you missed the conversation earlier this week, you can find the recording here


As much of the country settles into another cold weekend, I know you all are looking for a cozy read! Look no further than the many topics and resources on the Career Section of the Intranet! Happy Exploring.
Career Resources
Find PWE Opportunities through this dashboard, check back often as new experiences are always being added!
Job Opportunities - emailed directly to you each week!
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. 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.
  • While the job market has begun to really hit its stride, and you most likely have your pick of organization, it is still important to make sure you have positioned yourself best for positions. I'm here to help you do that!
Carolina MPA | UNC School of Government | carolinampa.sog.unc.edu | Website
The Carolina MPA Intranet houses information and resources for students during the program.