One of the core functions of the U.S. government, and many governments, is to interact abroad with both state and non-state actors, such as international organizations, large corporations, terrorist organizations, and NGOs. This purposeful, strategic interaction to...
Does an MPA degree help in a career pursuit?
What if you are in a particular job that you love and you would like get promoted or advance in your organization? Obtaining a master’s degree in Public Administration or Public Policy is definitely an achievement that could assist you developing a career with lasting...
Public Speaking: A Simple Strategy for Improving Your Skills
Over the last decade I have performed public debates and speeches in four countries and three continents in a variety of venues ranging from two-person rooms to theaters with hundreds of spectators to the maximum security wing of the Oregon State Penitentiary. In all...
Show Humility For Job and Career Success
All three of my daughters have volunteered abroad (two of them are in Africa as I write). Spending time seeing the world in vastly different contexts and cultures, political and socio-economic circumstances, can be a humbling experience. We can sometimes lose...
Is an HR Career Right For You?
I have had this HR career conversation with many a person looking to get into the field of Human Resources. Often it is with either a student who has commenced their studies in HR or has just graduated from an HR program. Sometimes this discussion takes place with...
Crisis in Blue Within the Policing Profession
Over the next 20 years, and more importantly the next five years, we will see a huge rush of Baby Boomers and older Generation Xers exiting the workplace and entering into their retirement years. This organizational memory and labor exodus is especially true of the...
Spin Sucks: Public Sector Communication Strategies in the Digital Age
Public relations for state and local governments has many parallels to its private sector counterpart. By definition, PR is a strategic communication process that “builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.” (Public Relations...
Gender Inequality in Public Service
As we know, our elected officials are our representatives. They are our voices within government, influencers regarding our healthcare and other significant issues whether at the municipal, state, or federal levels. It is important for diversity to be present within...
Public-Private Partnerships: An Innovative Solution?
One of the many challenges facing all levels of government is consistently finding new techniques to innovate and undertake policy and project necessities while saving the taxpayers’ money and employing individuals. Local, state, and federal government all have strict...