Sabith Khan, Author at The Public Sphere

Getting to Know You! An Interview with Professor Sean Veal

Getting to Know Professor Sean Veal

Meet Professor Sean Veal! Professor Veal is a changemaker in our community transforming the lives of MPPA students here at California Lutheran University. Professor Veal inspires students to think critically, act ethically, and lead with empathy. His dynamic teaching style, coupled with real-world insights, empowers students to tackle today’s most pressing public challenges with confidence and creativity.

1. What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Sean Veal. I teach capstones and the urban policy and planning courses.

2. How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching at Cal Lutheran for four years.

3. Getting to know you outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Outside of the classroom I enjoy staying active by playing basketball and weight lifting. As a former college athlete, I value being healthy and it’s become part of my DNA. I also enjoy photography and traveling when time permits.

4. What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

The catalyst of my interest in public policy and administration is an understanding of the impact that policy has on our day-to-day lives. Moreover, public policy is imperative to addressing societal issues yet too often it’s reactive. I’m intellectually attracted to the study of public policy in contemplating more proactive approaches.

5. What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA Program?

What I enjoy most about teaching is observing students thinking thoughtfully and creatively about our most pressing policy issues in our communities. Witnessing students collaboratively working through ideas that may eventually become realities is rewarding.

6. What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

The main take aways that I hope students gain from my courses are: 1) being well informed is what separates experts from generalists, in that when people are well versed in a subject it can help impact prudent, implementable public policy; and 2) being assertive and asking the right questions is a strength as students navigate their careers.

7. How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

When I was an undergraduate and graduate student at Cal Lutheran, the common theme that professors would stress is that CLU is an institution that teaches you how to think, not what to think. I’ve adopted that same mantra in my teaching philosophy with the goal of encouraging students to think critically through an analytical lens. My objective is to help train students how to dissect policy topics to foster a path to a student reaching their own conclusion.

8. In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA Program?

While in the MPPA program students can best prepare for a career in public service by focusing on individual skills and attributes, and then utilizing course work in the program to both accentuate and improve those skills. For example, if a student desires to be in a leadership role, they can hone in on courses directly addressing leadership or management, while also being intentional about leading group discussion boards, participating in class with well thought-out remarks, taking initiative in group projects, and being involved in extracurricular activities such as International County / City Management Association (ICMA).

9. Additionally, from your experience, what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

A skill requisite to succeed in public service is understanding one’s role in the process. In other words, be realistic about the capacity of one’s role, authority, influence, advantages, and limitations. It requires a mindset of understanding when to rely on resources, rather than attempting Sisyphean tasks. Employing this will help reduce burnout and allow one to operate more effectively within a public policy or public administration role. In that same vein, or more simply put, avoid being myopic. Welcome and listen to other ideas from all stakeholders one may encounter when in public service professions.

10. If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could spend one day with a public figure, I would spend it with Pete Carroll who is a professional and collegiate football coach. I admire his impact on athletes in the way he mobilizes them. It’s a very simple concept he relays to his teams; always compete. No matter the circumstances always compete is what Pete Carroll preaches. In our careers, and even in our personal lives, it’s important to always exert one’s best effort since we cannot control exogenous factors, but we can dictate our efforts. Always compete.

11. What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

One piece of advice I would give to current and prospective students is to be a knowledge sponge not only while in school, but beyond the classroom in professional careers. I’ve found that one can absorb more by merely listening as opposed to always trying to have the right answer.

We want to sincerely thank Professor Veal for giving his advice and insight into the public sector. We are proud to have Professor Veal as an educator in the MPPA program. He continues to inspire as he prepares the next generation of public leaders to make a meaningful difference in the world.

Getting to Know You! An Interview with Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan

Getting to Know Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan

Meet Dr. Maria Mondala-Duncan! Dr. Mondala-Duncan is a leader within the classroom and the community. She is passionate about educating future leaders. Through her guidance, she equips them with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed and make a meaningful impact in the workforce.

1. What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Maria R. Mondala-Duncan and I teach PA 562-01, Human Resource Management!

2. How long have you been teaching?

As an adjunct professor, 2 years; professionally, I have been training in my organization for 5 years.

3. Getting to know you outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Travel, eating, binge-watching TV shows, spending time with my family and cats.

4. What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

I began my career in the entertainment industry, working for a major studio company. As much as I enjoyed the thrill and meeting countless celebrities, public service is in every fiber of my being. This being at my core, I decided to apply for a position at a public agency in transportation since I am a big proponent of public transportation. From there, I decided to transition to a municipality where I have been for eight years. The conviction and passion of providing exceptional public service, and the desire and hope of creating a positive impact to the community, are essentially what sparked my interest and preempts any other.

5. What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA Program?

Without a doubt, the students and their eagerness to learn are what I love most about teaching in the MPPA Program.

6. What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

Human Resource Management is not just a function, but is also the foundation of being a good leader. My hope is that my students retain the information they are taught, but also as a future leader, they exercise kindness and using sound judgment in their future profession, whatever that may be.

7. How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

I have a real passion for teaching but have always believed in formal education as being theoretical. Circumstances in the real world vary and can throw a monkey wrench at you at any given moment, especially if it is something you have not encountered. For this reason, I bring in the practical side of the theories taught by inviting guest speakers to share their experiences and knowledge on certain subject matters. This allows the students to see the functions of a theory in the real world, the barriers the speakers faced, and how they overcame those challenges.

8. In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA Program?

If one intends to go into public service, understanding its inherent meaning is unequivocally important and should be taken seriously. What distinguishes public servants from the private sector is their role; it is not revenue driven, but it is service to the residents and the community in order to make it a better place to live, work, and play. This is the first step of the preparation. The second step is joining an organization, such as CalLu’s ICMA Student Chapter, as this will allow a prospective public servant to network with existing public servants from various communities throughout the state or the nation.

9. Additionally, from your experience, what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

With regards to soft skills, being interpersonal, patient, adaptable, emotionally intelligent, flexible, ability to listen, and being quick, but strategic, on your feet to solve internal and community problems. In terms of professional skills, being technical, staying abreast of any trends and opportunities, and continuously updating your knowledge (specific to your profession) whether through certifications or obtaining another degree. Another important skill that is not emphasized enough is writing. This is important, especially if one desires to be in management or executive level roles.

10. If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

Definitely, Maria Ressa, a Filipino and American journalist, CEO and co-founder of Rappler, a Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2021 for defending freedom of expression and democracy, and has written a book titled, “How to Stand Up to a Dictator: The Fight for Our Future”. She is an agent of social change and made waves through her investigative journalism. Ms. Ressa has experienced a whole-host of challenges legally and socially, even threatened with life in prison at one point. Nevertheless, her fearlessness, outspokenness, brilliance, and her courage of speaking truth to power are reasons why I admire her and want to spend a day absorbing her knowledge and strategizing for the future.

11. What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

I have two: 1) The road ahead is not easy, but always be your authentic self because someone will take notice of you and what you can bring to the table; and 2) always treat others kindly, no matter who they are; it is truly a small world and people will remember how you treated them.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mondala-Duncan for generously sharing her passion for teaching and for the invaluable wisdom she instills in her MPPA students. Her dedication to shaping the next generation of leaders is truly inspiring, and we are deeply appreciative of her continued commitment to excellence in education.

Getting to Know You! An Interview with Alumni Joel Hayes

Getting to Know Alumni Joel Hayes

Meet Alumni Joel Hayes! Joel currently works as an Associate Planner for the City of Calabasas. Throughout this post, we will get to know Joel a bit better and hear about his reflections of the MPPA Program, and the skills he obtained from the program, which he now uses in the workforce.

1. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your current role?

My name is Joel Hayes and I’m an associate planner at the city of Calabasas. In my current role, I work on development review for active projects such as a KIA dealership, Caruso Commons apartments, subdivisions, and other permit types at the City. I also work on long range projects such as the Craftsman’s corner annexation (annexing from LA county) and I’m in the final stages of implementing a business registration program. Lastly, I play an active role with the historic preservation commission and a few weeks ago received approval at the City Council for the city’s 8th landmark, the first in over a decade, the El Camino Bell in Old Town Calabasas.

2. What does a day typically look like for you in your current role?

A typical day for me might be reviewing architectural plans for a project, coordinating with our public works team, Building and Safety department or Code Enforcement on unique projects or cases. I might be working on a staff report and stepping away occasionally to assist a member of the public with a question about development or permitting. If I have time, maybe going out to visit a site to take photos and understand the topography and characteristics of the land that can be useful in my report or presentation.

3. What did you love most about the MPPA program?

What I loved most about the MPPA program is the people I met along the way. I actually became a planner because a former MPPA professor would consistently have guest speakers and one guest speaker happened to be a city planner and he described his career. Up to that point, I had never even heard of planning as a job and at that moment I knew I had found what I wanted to do for my career. The MPPA program provided me with incredible mentors and friends that I still keep in touch with today.

4. Looking back, is there a particular research project, paper, or assignment that you worked in the MPPA program that you are especially proud of?

I am particularly proud of a research paper I wrote and submitted to the International Conference on Business, Economics and Information technology. The annual conference is attended by 60 to 120 participants who represent 30+ universities from 10+ countries and territories, including Japan, Korea, Australia and many more.

My paper was accepted to the conference and I was able travel to Singapore and present my research paper, “Assessing the reliance of Tourism on Croatia’s Long term Economic Sustainability”.

5. Similarly, what was your favorite course within the MPPA program?

There’s no way I could pick one favorite, however I’d say a few favorites were law and public policy and principles of city management.

6. What skills did you develop in the MPPA program that help you the most in your current role?

The MPPA program has helped me tremendously with my professional writing and presentation skills that I use on a daily basis. Many of my work projects include presenting in front of a planning commission or City Council and the MPPA program allowed me to gain confidence and strengthen my public speaking. Most importantly, the report writing and research papers that I worked on in the MPPA program can sometimes be very similar in nature to the writing that I do professionally.

7. How did your time in the MPPA program affect your goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally?

My time in the MPPA program greatly affected my aspirations and goals as I gained a lot of confidence in myself and discovered my career path along the way.

8. How did you balance academic work with other commitments?

I was lucky to go into the MPPA program directly after graduation with my bachelors degree in political science at Cal Lutheran. I worked full time and completed the program in one year, however I do not recommend this path for everyone. It was time consuming and for those that have a lot going on with commitments, completing the program at your pace can be beneficial.

9. Did you participate in any other clubs or organizations during your time in the MPPA program?

At the time I was in the MPPA program there was not an ICMA group active, however that would have been an organization I would have enjoyed joining.

10. What advice would you give to current MPPA students?

I would say to try and get the most out of the program as you can. Former students I sat next to in class are now city managers, directors of government departments, public information officers and other high level positions across different sectors such as government, non-profit and education. I’ve learned gaining mentors will add value to you professionally and personally and if there are people with lots of experience in a career sector you’d like to go into, ask questions and learn how that person has succeeded.

We want to extend a thank you to Joel Hayes for providing us with a deeper understanding of his work as a dedicated public servant.

Getting to Know You! An Interview with Professor Juan Ponce

Getting to Know Professor Juan Ponce

1) What is your name and what do you teach?

My name is Juan Ponce. In the past I have taught Criminal Justice classes at the Bachelor Level for Union Institute and University but since I have been at California Lutheran University I have taught Master Level classes for the MPPA Program including “Intergovernmental Relations, Emergency and Crisis Management and a Leadership Course.”

2) How long have you been teaching?

I have taught for several years at our Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, at Union Institute and University for 7 years and have now been teaching at California Lutheran for 6 years.

3) Getting to know you, outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?

Some of my favorite things I love to do are vacationing in Mexico, reading, hiking on the Ranch I grew up in Moorpark, and spending time with my family.

4) What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?

I was always very interested in public service and I wanted to be in a position in my profession where I could make a difference and have a seat at the decision-making table. I think a degree in Public Administration makes the Administration in any organization take notice that you are a person who is prepared to make solid decisions and can hit the ground running when placed in a position of leadership.

5) What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA program?

I love that I am able to bring real life application examples from my life / career experience to the classroom and apply them against the theories that are stated in the textbook. With my prior knowledge and hands on experience, I am able to effectively bridge two worlds, one based in theory and the other in true application.

6) What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?

I am hopeful, and have seen firsthand, that my students are able to apply the lessons learned in the classroom as soon as they step outside the door of the classroom and apply it in their career environment. I have received feedback from many students who return both excited and invigorated and have reported to me that they have applied lessons learned, in the classroom, effectively in their career environment.

7) How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?

My teaching philosophy is to incorporate all of the senses when we are learning inside and outside (field trip) the classroom. I am aware of different adult learning modalities and how some students may only learn visually, others need audible instruction, and yet others learn by actually putting into practice the theories (role-play). It is my responsibility and philosophy to not only find the correct learning modality but also to motivate and inspire students to find a love for what they will be doing as a career.

8) In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA program?

I encourage all students to seek out an internship whether paid or not. Gaining experience and the opportunity to practice theory outside the classroom is an invaluable experience. There are many organizations and companies who are willing to take on interns to assist them in their mission.

9) Additionally, from your experience what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?

Public Service is unequivocally a calling and not just a job that ends at 5 p.m. As a student and practitioner in the public policy sector, you should always put service above self, which is generally counterintuitive in human nature. With that being said the skills necessary to succeed in public service are patience, perseverance, humility, strong work ethic, passion for serving others and the ability to place others needs above our needs.

10) If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

If I could spend a day with a public figure / leader it would be the Mexican Revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. Emiliano Zapata fought, literally, for the common and indigenous people of Mexico against overwhelming odds. The government attempted to “buy him out” by gifting him land and money, to put down the rebellion, but Emiliano Zapata refused to be bought. Emiliano put the people of Mexico above self no matter what the consequences. I would love to hear how he became a defender and a voice to those who have been and continue to be silenced only due to the color of their skin or their socioeconomic status.

11) What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?

I think if a practitioner of Public Service asks what can your Organization do for me or what will I gain from my attainment of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, then that student is asking the wrong question. A true student of Public Service should be asking what he / she can do to improve and / or serve the Organization / public. Most students are looking to get paid a prince’s ransom for the job that they do. The true reward and / or paycheck is knowing that at the end of the day, you made a difference in the state, in a county, in a city, in a community, in a neighborhood, on street, or even in one person’s life. With that mindset and outlook of this profession you will be not only successful but you will be…unstoppable.

A huge thank you to Professor Ponce for providing us with a deeper understanding of his work as a public servant and his role as an MPPA professor. His dedication to public service and student growth is truly inspiring. If you’re interested in connecting further with Professor Ponce, you can email him at jmponce@callutheran.edu.

Interview with Dr. K.T. Connor on ethics and public life

Dr. K.T. Connor was a Senior Adjunct Professor with the MPPA program until recently, for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience in ethics, business as well as public leadership. She served as the Managing Director of Applied Axiometrics. She is the head of a virtual collaboration of consultants using decision-theory-based assessments in selection, development, coaching, team building, and succession planning. In this short interview, she shares some insights into public leadership, ethics and her work and association with former (late) President Jimmy Carter.

Tell us about your association with Jimmy Carter and the Carter Center

When I lived in Georgia, I was often driving from my island off the coast, to the Carter Center in Atlantic, for both conferences and then meetings. And I was so delighted to learn more and more about what the Carter Center was doing, and why. That’s when I became so impressed with the humanity and value-based approach of Jimmy Carter.

I continued to learn more about Carter when I would often attend his gatherings in Lake Tahoe, San Diego, and of course, Atlanta at the Center. It was so easy to relax at his events, and he was open to all of us.

I was so glad to get to see how down to earth Carter was. When I went to various places with him and others, he was so open to all there. And he still invited us down to his hometown, and it was so clear he was so much a part of the community.

One trip I flew from Atlanta to the west coast with all attending the special event at Lake Tahoe. He was so good going all over the plane and talking to all of us. He was relaxed and open and walked up and down the aisle to have a chat with all of us.

Carter is often spoken about as an ethical leader, do you agree? Can you elaborate on why you agree or disagree?

I certainly agree that he was an ethical leader. I followed his role as President of the United States, and saw that he valued service above self-interest. Yes, that often resulted in looking less effective now and then, but from what I saw, it was consistent with his desire to serve. He was open even to those who ran against him, as Gerald Ford’s son notes at Jimmy’s funeral. (He shared that Gerald and Jimmy became good friends, even though Carter had gotten more votes on the election than Ford.) Even when President, he showed he had principled leadership, and valued decency and justice as well as caring for others. Because of the complexity of US Presidency, his caring became even more obvious when he developed the Carter Center.

When he was no longer President, he decided to maintain his desire to serve, and value all, and created an impressive goal for the Carter Center. He developed an organization to work to help even powerless people, to have them have skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their own lives. This improvement included disease prevention, democracy increase, and human rights safeguard.

He also was known to commit to truth, not lying, and to the importance of improving oneself, as well as helping others do so.

What aspects of public life today are different from say, the 1960 or 70s when Carter was active, politically?

When he was active politically, he was still learning how to serve others. He also absorbed values through his church to care for others and oneself, and to promote peace. He did now and then make a decision that did not turn out as he expected, and he was seen as not one to reelect. As our country grew, much energy went to divisiveness and race division. But gradually we as a country tried to bring all together. Carter’s decision did contribute some of that.

Carter’s involvement with his work at the Center, on the other hand, showed what he had learned, in order to be more effective with his goals. His dealing with helping people in various countries, including our own, created wide efforts to help others.

Does public service motivation impact ethical values?

I feel it does if it focuses not only on oneself, and one’s ability to lead and serve, but also on others, especially those in need.

One of the things we learn from good servants is something we can learn from Jimmy. Power is often maintained to be desired by many. But Carter slowly showed this was not why he served.

He seemed to know that some power was appropriate. But also it seems he also felt that respect for others, and even care for others, was essential. In no time that I saw him, did he show he was worth bowing to. Rather, he could be seen as so humble, so many times.

This should be a model for all in public service. It is a real service. Yes, they should make sure no one violates the ability to provide the service required. But they should also care not only for themselves, but definitely, also for others.

What are specific ways in which Carter’s life can serve as an example for young public servants today?

One major thing I feel is to be sensitive to bringing people together, not apart. This can be a challenge now and then, but they should also be sure to build the skills needed to meet the goals of their position. But public service is service to others, to those who depend on the service. Public ethics lets the public servant value being socially constructive, idealistic, altruistic, and creative. This will enrich our world and hopefully bring us all closer together.

Any other thoughts on ethics and public service?

I feel someone in public service deserves to be comfortable with themselves, and value themselves. I also feel, however, that real public service is not to just focus on power. It is not being seen as needing to have others feel less about themselves, so that the servant can be seen as more perfect. Real service is reaching out to all, especially those for whom they are assigned, to help them grow and perform. And it is good that they did this also for others. Jimmy Carter definitely showed that this was good to do.

A Journey of Compassion and Insight: Reflecting on a Trip to Tijuana

Embarking on a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, with Dr. Sabith Khan as an MPPA student was a culmination of anticipation and eagerness, fueled by a yearning to delve into real-world issues and experiences. Having missed out on a previous opportunity due to lacking a passport, I was determined to seize this chance to explore and learn. Little did I know, the journey would profoundly expand my perspectives on the importance of public policies and fuel a desire for meaningful change in an area I knew little about.

Our first stop was at Xquenda Lab at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, an open space for citizen science focused on the indigenous and migrant populations. Directed by Maximino Matus Ruiz and his team, the lab’s dedication to preserving indigenous languages through digitization was inspiring. Witnessing student research projects and indulging in sopes while overlooking the Mexican Pacific Coast fostered a sense of appreciation for educational initiatives driving social change.

Venturing further, our next stop was at Casa del Migrante, a sanctuary for migrants fleeing violence and seeking refuge. Run by dedicated social workers and volunteers, the facility offered essential services and support to individuals navigating the complexities of migration. Learning about the arduous journey migrants face, coupled with the bureaucratic hurdles of asylum-seeking, underscored the urgent need for policy reform and humanitarian intervention at all levels of the government. The facility can hold up to 200 people for up to 60 days. This conflicts with the 6 to 7 month current wait time for a hearing, so in the interim they help people build lives in Tijuana by securing employment, help to find housing, offer certification programs, and enroll children in school and provide childcare. The facility is funded by the Catholic Church, donations, and fundraising activities, and ran by staff and volunteers.

As a student of public policy and administration, the visit to Casa del Migrante was eye-opening. It shed light on the multifaceted nature of social issues and the imperative for compassionate, multi-dimensional solutions. The passion and dedication of the staff resonated deeply, reaffirming the power of empathy and advocacy in addressing systemic injustices.

Leaving Casa del Migrante, I was filled with a sense of urgency and purpose. The experience really prioritized the need to effect change and advocate for marginalized communities. It reinforced the importance of amplifying voices that are often silenced and the need for centering lived experiences and real stories in policy discourse.

Our journey concluded with a bittersweet visit to Friendship Park / El Parque de la Amistad in Playa de Tijuana, a binational park at the US -Mexico border. The park was inaugurated on Aug 18, 1971 by First Lady Pat Nixon. There were no border barriers of any kind at Friendship Park for generations. I couldn’t find the exact year that changed, but even after walls were built in 2011 San Diego Border Patrol officials still opened the park for limited hours each weekend through the slats of the wall. Over more recent years, this public access for US residents was restricted and in February of 2020, the park completely closed on the US side. Walking amidst murals and remnants of shared histories, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of missed opportunities for unity and solidarity. We did learn that there is a concentrated effort to reopen the park, and I sincerely hope there are ways for us as students to support it.

In closing, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Khan for his unwavering dedication to exposing students to diverse perspectives and social issues. His commitment to fostering experiential learning and nurturing compassionate leaders is truly commendable. Here’s to the next adventure, may it also be fueled by empathy, advocacy, and a responsibility and commitment to meaningful change.

Guest post – How The MPPA Helped My Career In SEO and Digital Marketing – Nicolai Andersen

In this article, I will highlight the surprisingly many ways that the MPPA program has contributed to the advancement of my career in digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). I graduated with my MPPA degree from Cal Lutheran in 2021. Shortly after, I relocated to Norway. Having worked for years with digital marketing in the U.S., I secured a marketing position in Oslo, which required a master’s degree. I later established an SEO bureau in Oslo.

Many have wondered why a digital marketer would pursue a degree in public policy. Upon reflecting, I can think of countless ways this program has helped me become a better marketer as well as a more well-rounded, informed professional.

Global Perspective

The SEO bureau currently serves clients from several countries across three continents. For technical and design support, we frequently collaborate with international freelancers. In essence, the global perspective I acquired not only from the MPPA program but also through studying abroad has greatly assisted me in conducting business within an international environment. This perspective has proven invaluable in comprehending cultural nuances, understanding diverse audiences, and navigating the complexities of the global marketplace.

Skills

I acquired a large number of skills during my time at Cal Lutheran. Notably, my research, analytical, communication, and advocacy skills witnessed significant improvement. These skills are not only convenient but also necessary for a career in digital marketing and SEO. Analytical proficiency, for instance, is crucial when dissecting search data, researching algorithm changes, conducting keyword research, and presenting results to clients.

Advocacy projects were integral components of several courses, contributing significantly to my growth as a marketer. They provided valuable lessons on tailoring messages to diverse audiences and the ability to effectively market or advocate for any product or company.

Furthermore, the skills gained through the process of academic paper writing have substantially enhanced my expertise in content marketing. Blog articles, for instance, often play a key role in SEO. Given recent updates to search engine algorithms, there is a heightened focus on well- crafted, valuable written content.

Upon reflection, the MPPA program has emerged as a cornerstone in my professional journey in digital marketing. The diverse skill set acquired, ranging from ethical considerations to an understanding of how public policy influences business, has not only broadened my horizons. It has also been instrumental in shaping me into a more adept entrepreneur, digital marketer, and SEO specialist.

You can visit my website at – https://seotjenester.no/

Transcending Silos: What Your MPPA Degree Can Do For You

– Sean Veal, MPPA 2013

Earning a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree can be a dynamic credential to advancing one’s career in both the public and private sectors. It is common place for a sizable number of MPPA graduates to continue in or embark on public service careers with municipalities. Such positions may range from a role in the City Manager’s office, City Planning Department, Public Works, Transportation, Human Resources, and Fire and Safety. These job functions implement administrative prerogatives and public policies for helping operate our cities, schools, and infrastructure for the common good of our communities. However, the “public” or “civil servant’ connotation of a MPPA degree is by no means the only avenue a recipient of the degree can pursue. The dynamism of the tools gained in a public policy program provides transferable skills and knowledge that are applicable to private sector jobs as well.

As a graduate student in the MPPA program, I discovered my passion for housing policy and have dedicated my career to improving housing for our marginalized communities through learning the mechanisms that will address and alleviate the pressures of the housing crisis. Moreover, during the MPPA program I gained a repertoire of skills that have served me well to support my passion for housing policy through various public and private sector experiences as a housing researcher, city planner, affordable housing developer, and investment banker. These routes are all unique, yet facets of each role share the common thread of addressing housing, which is the fabric of our urban landscape.

In the MPPA program I learned the history, foundation, and theory of public administration and policy. Additionally, I gained skills in critical thinking, leadership, presenting, and teamwork. In concert with learning practical career skills, I was introduced to urban planning and housing policy topics that have morphed into my expertise and passion. The program gave me a sense of the duty, responsibilities, expectations, and challenges of working in the public sector. It goes without saying that all these attributes have been vital to my work in the private sector.

As private companies often form partnerships with public entities to achieve goals such as building affordable housing, knowledge of the public sphere is invaluable. For example, a public-private partnership that creates and preserves affordable housing is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits program which encourages private investors to work with developers and localities in financing affordable housing developments. In exchange for financing a portion of a development these private investors receive tax break incentives. In an effort to contribute to public-private financing, the MPPA program equipped me with an understanding of how localities operate, while simultaneously imparting the principles of thinking critically and understanding an array of perspectives involved in a finance transaction. The program also emboldened me with leadership fundamentals to work with diverse stakeholders to accomplish the financing of affordable housing.

While I used my MPPA training for traditional public servant roles, I also was able to leverage that same training to buttress my path in private sector financing. We can use our MPPA skills to transcend silos in the public or private realms for the betterment our communities.

MPPA In Action Interview: Public Service Entrepreneurship

Leo Casiple

A highly accomplished alumni, Leo continues to give back through his talents and unique experiences to several organizations, rigorous competitions, and his alma mater CLU.

1. What motivated you to start Public Value, LLC?

I have always been fascinated by the functions that connect government, business, and the community.

I grew up under martial law. When I became a Green Beret, I worked in many countries to help stabilize internal security. I offered national level military solutions, but they were not enough. Citizens needed financial, social, and other social safety nets beyond the scope and capabilities of Special Forces Advisors.

I was fortunate that, when I earned an MBA in Global Management, I began to understand the underlying factors and methodologies that fuel and influence global economic momentum. When I earned a Master of Competitive Intelligence™️, I learned how to uncover blind spots by looking between the lines of annual financial statements, shaded intent based on organizational structure and commitments, and indicators not found in mission statements.

But, I was still clueless about the public domain and about how policy is negotiated, created, and implemented. After I completed CLU’s MPPA program, I became more confident that with public policy knowledge, training, and passion for innovation I will help solve – in a holistic manner – the world’s most pressing economic, diplomatic, defense, and social challenges.

As it stands today, my company can touch just about every need within a community. I am excited that in my doctoral program, I will focus on solving global water issues. Water touches every community and industry. Public Value LLC will become central to global policies regarding the conservation, distribution, and availability of water.

2. What is the mission/ vision of your company?

MIssion: We honor those who improve the world by delivering civic solutions where development, diplomacy, defense, and community converge.

Vision: A global organization that helps communities discover its value from within.

3. How do you see yourself contributing to solving some of the problems around us?

I am fortunate to have worked all over the world. Throughout the years, I realized that to solve problems, I have to resonate at the individual, human level by doing the following: 1) Listen and hear what communities explicitly and implicitly communicate; 2) Maintain my strengths so that I can help partners find theirs; and 3) Respect the processes and values of others, just as I would want them to respect mine. Everything else is commentary.

4. What unique perspectives has being a veteran given you?

This is a very good question. First, I want to make it clear I am a first-generation American who joined the Army out of economic necessity, and not out of patriotism. I was too young and self-centered to know what protecting others meant. Second, I lacked self-esteem throughout my life, but through challenges designed to test the individual, the Army taught me to believe in myself. Third, the military instilled discipline, leadership, and honor – traits that display vulnerability and courage, humility and respect, and a reverence for humanity.

Grassroots View. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in many parts of the country and the world. Nothing replaces meeting communities where they are at, resonating with their energy, and listening to their hopes and dreams.

Decision-Making. The military trained me to plan carefully, assess attentively, and to make decisions prudently. Some decisions are difficult. The Army taught me to make ethical decisions, even if those decisions are against the prevailing popular opinion.

Agility. My military leaders taught me that plans are tested often by antagonists and supporters. Being agile, not in a physical sense but in the intellectual realm, is a key element to creating sustainable solutions. Agility equates to stillness during chaos, elegance during turbulence, and strength during catastrophe.

How To Series: Internships at the GAO

~Patricia Palao Da Costa

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the auditing arm used by the United States Congress to improve and ensure government efficiency and accountability. Known as the “congressional watchdog”, GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that responds to congressmembers’ requests, legislative mandates, and other investigative needs issued by the legislative branch of government. After completing a program audit, the agency will almost always publish a public report that details their conclusions and recommendations for the program and/or respective agencies. To fulfill their vast role and requests, GAO has fifteen mission teams and eleven field offices that house general analysts and other specialists to ethically and comprehensively complete each assignment.

Internship Opportunities: Management and Program Analyst

GAO offers internships in both the operational and mission teams of the agency. My internship was for the International Affair and Trade mission team as a Management and Program Analyst (Student Trainee), based out of the Los Angeles field office. Most engagements are completed within 8-12 months, and since the internship length is 400-640 hours, each intern’s experience and engagement phases will differ. Each team will have a Director, an Assistant Director, a methodologist, a lawyer, an Analyst-In-Charge, and a number of other analysts as needed. Throughout their time, interns receive ongoing training, instruction, and education on the engagement as well as the organization of GAO as a whole. The internship has two main purposes: to provide enriching and applicable experiences to the student trainees, and to assess the intern’s abilities for the potential employment offer to join the Professional Development Program after graduation.

Recommendations:

Start by taking courses that directly relate to this career. Research Methods, Quantitative Methods, Law in Public Policy, and Performance Management/Program Management and Evaluation were the most helpful in learning the material and skills needed during my internship experience. Second, check the GAO website for internship application openings. There are spring, summer, and fall internships with application windows beginning 4-6 months before the hire date and closing as soon as the maximum number of applicants have been entered (usually within a couple weeks). And lastly, network and connect with professors, guest speakers, or other individuals that are associated with GAO already in some capacity. Feel free to email me or connect with me on LinkedIn if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the internship process!