DALHOUSIE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STUDENT SOCIETY
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Professional Development Program (PD)The primary purpose of the Professional Development Program (PD) is to prepare MPA graduates for a career in the public sector. With increasing competition for valued public sector jobs, it is necessary to complement high quality academic courses with opportunities to refine and demonstrate relevant professional competencies. The PD approach also builds professional networks and helps ensure grounded expectations about potential job openings and career opportunities. Unique to Dalhousie’s MPA program, the PD Program helps graduates successfully develop learning plans that will be used to shape future learning and skills development.
The program is a collaborative initiative involving students, public sector organizations and the School of Public Administration. The design follows workplace models rather than a typical "academic" approach. In practice, this means the PD Program is highly customized; class members are expected to play the lead role in their own development, drawing on coaches, mentors and other resources to support their learning. This design principle fits well with our understanding of individual differences and individual choice. Administratively the PD Program consists of four non-academic, non-credit, Pass/Fail courses, two in each of the two years of the program. Passing these courses requires completion of various deliverables, engagement in PD sessions, and the development of a learning plan that will developed and updated over your time in the MPA program. The first year of PD focuses on: learning styles, learning plan development, setting goals, diversity and inclusion, resume and cover letter building, public sector interviews and other skills that will be useful in an academic and professional setting. Class sessions, workshops and networking opportunities promote professional development to help distinguish Dalhousie MPA graduates in a competitive job market. Some useful links are below: Institute of Public Administration of Canada http://www.ipac.ca/ Since our founding in 1947, IPAC has led public administration research in Canada and has exported successful Canadian public sector expertise around the world. Our mission is to promote excellence in public service and we do that a number of ways: through our prestigious publications; conferences; awards of excellence; and knowledge networks. We are membership-based with regional groups across the country. You’ll find this website an excellent resource whether you’re new to public service or an experienced public servant. Feel free to explore the site -- and the benefits of membership. Once you're a member, you'll be able to tailor this site to meet your needs and will have access to a variety of members-only services and benefits Public Service Commission of Canada http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ Public Service is dedicated to building a public service that strives for excellence. |