Review: The CQ Press' Career Guide for Public Sector Students (2020)

The CQ Press' Career Guide for Public Sector Students (2020) by Michelle C. Pantz is an informative book on careers in government and the nonprofit community. Geared towards undergraduate and graduate students, the booklet provides essential steps on finding your passion and the steps to pursue it. Professor Pautz (who has a background in public administration) guides the reader through an introduction to the public sector, recommended curriculum considerations, supplemental opportunities and experiences outside the classroom, and career profiles of individuals currently working in the public sector. Lastly, the book provides a career checklist with valuable insights on resume building, social media strategies, and networking.

This book has two major strengths. First, the application activities encourages readers to set personal and professional goals. These activities are motivating because you can discover new ideas and identify your academic and professional interests. Second, the curricular and co-curricular options enable students to develop a better understanding of how to tie their major and interests to the workplace. Too often, students believe they must major in traditional fields such as political science to pursue a successful career in the public sector. The truth is any major is sufficient as long as you gain knowledge and skills in the area that you wish to work. For example, a student who wants to specialize in social policy can major in, for example, sociology or social work, and link their research interests and co-curricular activities (e.g., internships, volunteer service) to a particular area within social policy (e.g., access to health care, poverty reduction, education, or labor). Employers care more about how your academic, research, and professional experiences can enhance the organization.

Once students have chosen their research area of interest, they should create an e-portfolio or master resume of their accomplishments in college. Professor Pautz suggests also graduate and professional school as an option to gain new skills and specialized knowledge as well as accelerate career growth. Examples form the booklet include earning a Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) for example. I would go one step further and recommend other applicable fields such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in macro practice, Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in health education or health policy, or a Master of Arts in Education (MA) with a specialization in public policy. These programs exist and require extra diligence and effort on your part. Research the different programs' websites for admissions requirements, attend graduate school and career fairs in your region (e.g. Idealist Graduate Fair), or speak to career services at your alma mater.

Overall, this is a useful guide for any student or early career changer who is new to the public sector. It is well organized, practical with action items, and easy to follow. I would have found this book (less than 50 pages in length) very convenient during my undergraduate studies. 

Personality Test Update: I am a Defender (ISFJ)

It has been nearly four years since I had last taken a personality test. At the time, my results came back as an Advocate (INFJ). However, my employment history changed since that time frame -- new job, more responsibilities, and greater confidence in my skills and abilities. My specialty area narrowed from higher education to legal education. Thus, I believed this was the right time to complete another personality test.

According to the 16Personalities.com, I am a Defender (ISFJ-A).

ISFJ: Intuitive, Sensing, Feeling, and Judging-Assertive Role: Sentinel
Strategy: Confident Individualism

Defenders are true altruists, meeting kindness with kindness-in-excess and engaging the work and people they believe in with enthusiasm and generosity.

Combining the best of tradition and the desire to do good, Defenders are found in lines of work with a sense of history behind them, such as medicine, academics and charitable social work.

Few personality types are as practical and dedicated as Defenders. Known for their reliability and altruism, Defenders are good at creating and maintaining a secure and stable environment for themselves and their loved ones. Defenders’ dedication is invaluable in many areas, including their own personal growth.

Below is a breakdown of the ISTJ personality type:

• Introversion: Defenders tend to spend time alone or with small, familiar groups of friends. They expend energy in social situations, but need to recharge when by themselves.
• Sensing: Defenders tend to focus on immediate needs rather than future possibilities. They value realism and common sense, and they like ideas with practical applications.
• Feeling: Defenders make decisions based on their principles and values. They give more weight to social implications than logic, especially in cases where personal considerations or feelings are concerned. 
• Judging: Defenders prefer to make decisions early, predict outcomes, and stick to plans. Their lives are structured -- predictability is their preference over spontaneity.  
• Assertive: Assertive Defenders are generally more confidently proactive and thus are more visible. They have a greater likelihood of receiving recognition for accomplishments.

Defenders have a strong desire to serve and protect others. People with the ISFJ personality type are known to be hardworking, reliable, supportive, organized, observant, and emotionally intelligent to feelings around them. They are kind, loyal, and considerate. Furthermore, they value traditions and history highly in their decisions.

While Defenders prefer to work in solitary environments, they also appreciate working with others. They also thrive in service-oriented occupations that require caring for others and utilizes their exceptional skills in problem-solving tasks. While they prefer to avoid the limelight, they want to be appreciated for their contributions. Lastly, they get satisfaction from closure and enjoy completing tasks.

By their very nature, Defenders are humble, persistent, and dedicated workers. They are also not afraid of mundane and necessary tasks, especially if it means those small tasks can help lead them to a greater goal. As for weaknesses, people with the ISFJ personality type tend to dislike change, prefer to work with people over numbers, have trouble with conflict, may neglect their own needs (e.g., shy away from expressing their own emotions), and may take criticism too seriously.

These results underscore the progress I have made in my own personal and career development in the last five years. I was a young idealist in graduate school, but I was not sure on what I wanted to do with my life. Since then, I gained skills and experience at several mission-driven nonprofits. I am more self-aware of my own work style. After reflecting on my career history to date, I listed these strengths:

• I am selfless, resourceful, empathetic, and imaginative. 
• I flourish in positive work environments that provide stability.
• I prefer organizations whose missions align with my values.
• I enjoy providing practical solutions to problems.  
• I consider myself a detailed-oriented person who takes it upon herself to make sure the job gets done well. 
• I like feeling appreciated for the work that I put into improving processes within the organization.

What is your personality type? Share in the comments section.

EPI: The Devastating Impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) on Black Americans

The Economic Policy Institute, a progressive-leaning research think tank, released a report entitled "Black workers face two of the most lethal preexisting conditions for coronavirus—racism and economic inequality" (June 1, 2020). The report examines the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on black workers (click here for the press release). Key findings revealed that:

• Black workers are less likely to continue working from the safety of their homes;
• Black workers are more likely to be classified as essential workers and face health insecurity as a result;
• More than one in six black workers lost their jobs between February 2020 and April 2020;
• Black workers are disproportionately more likely to live in areas experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks;

Black workers are more likely than other workers of other races to be employed in front-line occupations (e.g., public transit; child care and social services; trucking, warehouse, & postal service). The devastating effects of COVID-19 are a reflection of persistent economic and health disparities in the black community. Underlying factors exacerbating the economic and physical well-being of Black Americans include historically higher unemployment rates, significant black-white wage gaps, benefits gaps, lower shares of black households with multiple wage-earners, higher shares of households with single parents, less cash reserves, higher incidence of pre-existing health conditions, less access to medical care and health insurance, higher proportion of families living in densely populated housing, and higher proportion of multigenerational households with older family members at risk of contracting the virus. Although Congress passed the CARES Act in late March 2020 to ameliorate the disease's economic impact on workers and families, the response has yielded uneven results because of differential access to the resources. Racial disparities also exist in who has access to computer and broadband Internet subscription in their home and access to bank accounts.

Black Americans continue to make up a disproportionate number of reported COVID-19 deaths. Congressional leaders, municipal leaders, health care experts, and community organizations should use these findings to develop interventions that will help reduce the disparate racial impact of the COVID-19 disease. These factors revealed how the ongoing effects of racism can produce unequal outcomes in access to employment, health care, and housing. For more information about the impact of COVID-19 on Black Americans, check out the links below:

• American Medical Association: Why African American communities are being hit hard by COVID-19
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
• Pew Research Center: Black Americans face higher COVID-19 risks, are more hesitant to trust medical scientists, get vaccinated
• The Washington Post: Disproportionately black counties account for over half of coronavirus cases in the U.S. and nearly 60% of deaths, study finds

Higher Education's Response to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) from an Equity Framework

Many countries have temporarily shut down many anchor institutions during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is nowhere more apparent than in the higher education sector. The respiratory disease compelled many colleges and universities to cancel in-person classes, close residential halls and food courts, suspend in-person events and athletic competitions, and shift to remote learning and work arrangements mid-way through the spring terms. Campus leaders are grappling everyday with how to properly direct their students, faculty, and staff through such unprecedented times. While many college campuses announced plans to reopen in the fall with social distancing policies in place according to municipal, state, and federal guidelines, other institutions are considering virtual or hybrid (a combination of virtual and in-person) classroom formats.

Below is a list of relevant online resources that will aid provosts, senior administrators, department chairs, faculty, and student affairs professionals during this catastrophic crisis. It is essential that colleges and universities include an equity framework in their COVID-19 response. Our most vulnerable populations--African Americans, Latino/as, senior citizens, and the economically disadvantaged--are at a higher risk of contracting and dying from the disease. Click here to read an overview of federal resources to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Higher Education Guidance, Resources, and News

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education
• U.S. Department of Education: COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
• American Association of University Professors (AAUP): Coronavirus Resources: Statements, Guidance, Webinars, Chapter Action, and Collaboration with American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• Midwest Higher Education Council: Coronavirus (an expansive listing of federal, state, and association responses to COVID-19)
• National Conference of State Legislatures: Higher Education Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Inside Higher Ed: Live Updates: Latest News on Coronavirus and Higher Education

COVID-19 and Equity Considerations

• American Medical Association: COVID-19  health equity resources 
• American Public Health Association: COVID-19 and Equity
• Center for Urban and Racial Equity: Equitable Response Community Commons
• The Education Trust: A Higher Education Equity Agenda in Response to COVID-19
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: Coronavirus Equity Considerations
• Inside Higher Ed: The Challenge of Equity in Higher Education Under COVID-19

Professional Certificates for Macro Social Workers

Lifelong learning is is important for personal and professional development. First, it enhances our understanding of the world around us. Second, it provides us with more opportunities for career advancement. Social workers and allied professionals in particular are required to obtain continuing education units (CEUs) for licensing renewal. CEUs are typically offered as a course, workshop, or webinar by universities, agencies, and associations. However, practicing macro social workers may encounter challenges in finding relevant content in macro practice settings (e.g., administration and leadership; advocacy and organizing; community-based initiatives; policy analysis and implementation; program development for organizations and communities; and research and evaluation). However, the majority of social work continuing education offerings are targeted for social workers in clinical or psychiatric settings. Generally, topics will focus on issues related to mental health and wellness with individuals and small groups. As a result, practicing macro social workers have to pursue a strategic approach towards continuing education that meets our needs.

What is the difference between a certification and a certificate?

Certification typically involves an exam administered by a third-party organization, such as the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The ASWB offers five different types of exams for early-career social workers: Associate, Bachelor, Master, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical. The exams allow social workers to qualify for licensure in the states where they will work, depending on their level of education and practice area. For most professionals, certifications must be renewed on a regular basis. Obtaining relevant CEUs is part of the licensing renewal process. Certification recognizes achievement among professionals who meet the established knowledge, skills, and competencies in their industry.

Certificates are designed to respond to demand in a specific industry. These programs, which are offered for-credit or non-for-credit by educational institutions, follow a designated curriculum, have intended learning outcomes, and lead to an earned credential upon successful completion of the coursework. Certificate programs are typically shorter than master's programs. Since certificates are narrow in scope, the goal is for professionals to acquire specific knowledge, skills, and/or competencies.

For example, two top-ranked social work programs--University of Maryland and University of Michigan--offer several innovative macro-oriented professional certificate programs for social workers:

University of Maryland School of Social Work

• Financial Social Work Certificate Program
• Human Services Leadership and Management Certificate

University of Michigan School of Social Work

• Online Certificate Program in Mixed Methods Research
• Online Certificate Program in Political Social Work

I provided examples of the broad range of professional certificates available at educational institutions. CEUs can also be obtained at conferences and events sponsored by industry-specific associations. The following areas may be of interest to macro social workers:

• Global health and social development
• Higher education and student affairs 
• Intergroup relations and conflict resolution 
• Law and legal methods 
• Nonprofit management
• Program evaluation and assessment

Guidebook: Human Service Management Competencies for Social Workers

Social workers and allied professionals need access to best practices on managing public and private service organizations. In 2018, the Network for Social Work Management (NSWM) composed and released a guidebook (2018) of human service management competencies that every experienced and academically trained social worker should know for the successful management of both public and private nonprofit organizations.

• For Professionals, the guidebook provides the framework to four domains: Executive Leadership, Resource Management, Strategic Management and Community Collaboration.
• For University Staff, the guidebook offers a curriculum check-list (coursework, field education, and other educational opportunities) to ensure that social work (MSW) programs offer leadership development for students and professionals.

From the NSWM website:

"These are not intended to be minimum competencies, but are descriptions of the level of practice that are expected of experienced and academically trained professionals. Social workers practicing management at any level are encouraged to review these competencies, making use of the Self-Assessment form available through the Network office, to determine their own skill level and to develop an individual plan for upgrading their management performance."

As a MSW graduate who specialized in management and community practice, these competencies would help professionals, universities, and even state licensing boards develop uniform practice standards for human service management. While prominent organizations such as NSWM and ACOSA (Association for Community Organization and Social Administration) exist to assist macro-practice social workers, more information is needed to better prepare social workers for careers in nonprofit and public management. Many social workers enter the field without considering management as an option. Click here to explore and download the guidebook.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Resources

The United States and the global community are experiencing unpredictable and challenging times to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Also known as novel coronavirus, COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. It is contagious and has affected people around the world. The most common symptoms include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.  Other symptoms may include pain or pressure in the chest, lost of taste or smell, inability to wake or stay awake, and bluish lips or face. Senior citizens and people with pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure) are most at risk of becoming severely ill from the virus. As of March 31, 2020, there is no known cure (vaccine) for the COVID-19 virus.

Doctors, health experts and elected officials have warned the public to stay indoors, wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid contact with infected people. Additionally, workplaces have shifted to remote work environments. On the other hand, thousands of workers have either been furloughed or laid off from their jobs. Several governors have instituted stay-at-home orders to slow down the spread of the disease among the population. In general, these are unprecedented circumstances that require focus, support, and relief, particularly for those in need. 

The federal government is helping workers, families, and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus. On March 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed into the law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. This stimulus package is meant to address the economic failout of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, here are a list of recommended sources for Americans to stay up-to-date on the evolving outbreak:

• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Checklist to Get Ready for COVID-19
• Johns Hopkins University & Medicine: Coronavrius Resource Center
• NASPA - Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education: COVID-19 Resources
• National Association of Social Workers: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• National Council of Nonprofits: Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19
• National Governors Association: What You Need to Know about the Coronavirus
• National Institute of Health's National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases: Coronaviruses
• Society for Human Resource Management: Coronavirus Resources
• U.S. Department of Education: COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
• U.S. Department of Labor: Coronavirus Resources
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Finally, follow your state's guidelines on essential services, social distancing, and travel. Be safe and stay well!