Introduction

November 30, 2015 Jessica Leave a comment

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of this portfolio is to provide evidence to support my comprehension of the five Universal Competencies of an effective Public Administrator as instructed by the Department of Public Administration at the College at Brockport under the guidance of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Every course, whether requisite or elective, has resulted in specific learning objectives that highlight the challenges, demands, paradoxes and rewards of serving the public in a variety of roles. As a result of my studies, I am confident that I have gained valuable skills that I will employ not only in my professional career, but in my personal life as well. Earning a Master of Public Administration Degree from the College at Brockport demonstrates a commitment to individual growth that will undoubtedly translate to the community in which I will serve—for this, I am grateful to the skilled faculty and staff who successfully implemented the intended program outcomes that have prepared me for an exciting future in public administration.

The first of the five competencies examines leading and managing in public governance. The assets of an accomplished leader are invaluable to public organizations, particularly under changing circumstances. Instructed by Alexander Kralles, Leading Organizational Change (PAD 601) identified characteristics of an effective manager to successfully execute critical organizational changes. The second competency, participating in and contributing to the public policy process, is explored in Public Policy (PAD 680). A paper assigned by Dr. Ryan Yeung engaged students in the process of public policy valuations. Problem solving and decision making is the third competency recognized as necessary for public administrators. Organizational Behavior (PAD 682), led by Dr. Faith Prather, provided a series of powerful journal articles and class exercises relating to this aptitude. The fourth competency, articulating and applying a public service perspective, was studied in Foundations of Public Administration (PAD 641). Professor J. Gerard Caillier obligated students to interview a long-standing public servant to associate the competency with real-life scenarios. Finally, communicating and interacting productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry as the fifth competency was analyzed using a humanistic approach in Human Resource Management (PAD 685) instructed by Dr. Phil LaPorta. The midterm exam allowed students to portray their knowledge of inclusive practices in public organizations.

The five competencies, as prescribed by the NASPAA, were methodically studied in the MPA courses described above. The subsequent pages of this paper will detail each competency, the corresponding PAD class and assignment, and a related scholarly journal to develop a portfolio designed to showcase my learned capabilities and good intentions as a future public administrator.

”Efforts and courage are not without purpose and direction.”

-JFK

Competency Matrix

November 30, 2015 Jessica Leave a comment

UNIVERSAL COMPETENCY CHART

NASPAA UNIVERSAL COMPETENCY	PAD COURSE	RELATED ASSIGNMENT
1.) To lead and manage in public governance	PAD 601: Leading Organizational Change Professor: Alexander Kralles	Course paper: Leadership profile
2.) To participate in and contribute to the public policy process	PAD 680: Public Policy Professor: Dr. Ryan Yeung	Course paper: Policy Analysis
3.) To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions	PAD 682: Organizational Behavior Professor: Dr. Faith Prather	Group discussion: “Viewpoint” facilitated by students
4.) To articulate and apply a public service perspective	PAD 641: Foundations of Public Administration Professor: Dr. J. Gerard Caillier	Career Biography: Interview with a long-term managing public servant
5.) To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry	PAD 685: Human Resource Management Professor: Dr. Phil LaPorta	Course mid-term exam: Analyzing the term “inclusion” and its value in the labor force

Conclusion

November 30, 2015 Jessica Leave a comment

CONCLUSION:

Ideally, this portfolio demonstrates my comprehension of the competencies prescribed by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). My intention, however, is to apply the competencies in my professional career better than I can ever articulate them. Throughout my tenure in the Master of Public Administration program at the College at Brockport, I was academically challenged by excellent professors who guided their students through stimulating lectures and relevant assignments. With the guidance of Alexander Kralles, I am confident in my ability to lead and manage in public governance. Dr. Ryan Yeung provided quality instruction regarding the public policy process, and why one should participate and contribute to it. Dr. Faith Prather created a stimulating class environment that replicated real-world decision-making dilemmas and how to successfully navigate them. Articulating and applying a public service perspective was taught by Dr. J. Gerard Caillier—his public service interview requirement was my favorite assignment in the program. Finally, Dr. Phil LaPorta offered relevant contributions throughout his course, enhancing the student learning objectives about communicating and interacting productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

My experiences in the Master of Public Administration program were exciting, memorable, and appropriately challenging. Upon graduation, I will be proud to be a member of the alumni at the College at Brockport MPA program. Likewise, I aim to make the educational institution and its faculty proud that its program yields dynamic and productive public administrators like myself, making positive differences in the communities they serve.

About me…

Image November 29, 2015 Jessica Leave a comment

33 has always been my favorite number. During elementary and junior high school, I always wore it on my basketball jersey. Unfortunately, when I reached high school, the number was taken by a tenured player, forcing me to choose an alternative number. Believe it or not, my step-father was thirty years old at the time, so I went with that number. Each year, I would go up a number (just as John’s age did!)

As a junior, I was finally awarded my #33 jersey again. (But guess what? As a senior, I went with #34 out of continued respect for my beloved step-father.)

At Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 2015

So it seems appropriate then, that I would earn my Master of Public Administration degree in my 33^rd year of life—particularly because it was such a struggle to get where I am. A couple cross-country relocations, one divorce, four major changes, and about twenty jobs later I find myself here…and while I have not locked down my “dream job” and my long-term boyfriend, Kevin, has still not proposed marriage, I am happy to be where I am. (That ring IS coming!) The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel is now my headlamp, and I am steering the ship that is USS Jessica.

My intention is to use all of my life experiences, both positive and negative, in a productive way.

Now for some trivial facts about me:

I am an avid animal lover, and am so in love with my dog, Natalie. She brightens all my days! A better companion she could not be. A favorite past-time is bird-watching and animal spotting while hiking with Kevin and Natty.

I am an aspiring runner, with the goal of completing a half-marathon in the near future. Kevin and I have participated in a Tough Mudder already, and plan to make it a yearly tradition.

My favorite foods are cashews, cherries, and coffee. Nothing, however, beats Wegman’s Garlic Tuscan bread.

I have a great and rather large family. All have been extremely supportive during this journey.

In particular, my mom Mindy, whose work ethic is admirable and whose sacrifice for her children, biological or not, is the true definition of unconditional love.

Me and Mom, New Year's Eve 2011 — Me and Mom, New Year’s Eve 2011

My dad, Denny, a minister, who I could not be more proud of. I love it that I am left-handed like him, and his return to school as an adult learner is truly inspirational.

To Kevin, who has always been there for me. I love you more than I can ever express! Thank you for all you do…and sorry about the one or two headaches I may have caused you.

Kevin, Barb, & me, hiking Indian Hill in Fairport, NY, 2014

Kevin’s mother Barb, who has been a special influence on my life for almost four years now, has always been encouraging and caring. There has not been one day that passed since we met that she did not inquire about. She always wants to know details about my papers, courses, day at work, and day in general. Thank you, Barb, for being there for me when I just needed to cry it out!

And my step-mother, Kathy, to whom this portfolio is dedicated. Approximately fifteen years ago, when I started college confused and unmotivated, Kathy told me about her own struggles in college–on her own with two young children–and how she would always put the phrase “Every minute that goes by is a minute closer to the day I graduate!” to a tune and sing it to herself whenever she was feeling down. As my motivation multiplied, so did the number of times I would sing that tune.

Dad, Kathy, Kevin, & me at a Little League World Series Game, 2015

Finally, I want to thank the supportive faculty and staff at the College at Brockport, especially Dr. Ryan Yeung, who offered to be a professional reference when a life-changing career was on the line. Dr. Yeung, I will not let you down. Thank you, one and all!

PS: I got the job.