jump over to the Brazen Life blog
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

There are networks on Brazen Careerist to discuss all the career issues you are thinking about right now. Join now to start moving your career in the right direction.

government.jpg
+ Join Group
Government and Public-Sector

A place for government folks to connect, share ideas and discuss the unique benefits and drawbacks that come with employment in the public sector.

Network Leader: Emily Ma
Groups > Government and Public-Sector
 
Scott Span, MSOD With the troubled implementation of NSPS, Gov't has done a mediocre job of performance management. People matter. - Goal Setting: Why Bother? Are You Setting Your 2012 Goals? http://tolerosolutions.com/goal-setting-why-bother-are-you-setting-your-... - A Pat on the Back Please! Are Your Employees Recognized for Their Performance? http://tolerosolutions.com/a-pat-on-the-back-please-are-your-employees-r...

22 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

 
Dannielle Blumenthal I don't know if anyone here is familiar with the Federal Communicators Network. Basically we're feds helping feds get free communication training. Next event is coming up Oct. 20 - "Becoming a Trusted Advisor". If you've ever been frustrated trying to get sr. mgmt. to listen this one's for you. Feds only please - http://how2btrustedadvisor.eventbrite.com/

33 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

 
Ben Donahower Is anyone familiar with governments that are using SEO? I know that Google has a section for the public sector and I'm sure some have caught onto what Google is recommending there, sitemaps. But is there a public entity that has an initiative or something that they built backlinks to, what were the results, etc.?

41 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

View 1 older reply

Elliot S. Volkman: Not to be rude but the #gov20 hashtag is actually coupled with open government content usually. There is some gov based new media as well, but it ...MoreNot to be rude but the #gov20 hashtag is actually coupled with open government content usually. There is some gov based new media as well, but it usually relates to #opengov. That being said I know in the past agencies have outsourced this type of work as a creative service to government contractors. Additionally, a vast portion of public content on .gov domains is static, so they just follow basic naming conventions.
41 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: @Mozart - have definitely went down that road and found what @Eliot has.

Here is what I have found:

More@Mozart - have definitely went down that road and found what @Eliot has.

Here is what I have found:

http://www.seobythesea.com/category/seo-for-government/

Which essentially shows how bad government SEO is.

And there are a couple of companies who offer SEO services to governments. I just searched for government SEO on this one and took what's on the first page of Google. Figure a good government seo company should be able to rank for that term. With that said, here are the options:

http://www.mattseo.com/government-seo-consultant/
http://www.dataflurry.com/industries/government.html
http://www.seo-1-marketing-services.com/online-public-relations-governme...

None of those three companies are listing any government clients, showing success stories, or testimonials. None of these companies are solely focused on the government niche either.

Finally, the proof is on the website. I just poked around a few states' websites for a few quick checks: good permalink and whether there is a sitemap and robots.txt file.

ca.gov - good permalink, has sitemap and robots.txt
myflorida.com - mediocre permalink, auditor general has a sitemap, no robots.txt
texas.gov - weak permalink, couldn't find sitemap, has robots.txt

Out of these three sites, only one is doing these basic elements of SEO correctly let alone conducting keyword research and building strategic backlinks.
40 weeks ago
 
Scott Span, MSOD Group members, I thought this may interest you. http://tinyurl.com/443nexl . The harsh reality is that the marketplace is not producing enough jobs despite government efforts. We must develop innovative strategies to bridge this gap. So what can be done to inspire employees and job seekers, increase employee morale and produce economic growth - Organizational Development interventions are a good place to start.

42 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

 
Scott Span, MSOD Group members, I thought this may interest you .Part 2 of our new article on the topic: Generational Diversity in Government – What’s Your Generation Thinking. http://tolerosolutions.com/category/generations . We all share fundamental basic needs, how we look to have those needs fulfilled and fulfill them for others varies based on many things including our generational lens. What are you doing in the workplace to help raise awareness around generational diversity?

45 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

 
AmyPotthast FYI - Grad school seekers and do-gooders - check out the Idealist Grad Fairs tonight in LA (http://bit.ly/SummerFairLA) and Thursday night in San Francisco (http://bit.ly/SummerFairSF). FREE + open to the public. Idealist Grad Fairs are for undergrads, professionals, and anyone thinking of going to grad school. Learn about 75 different graduate schools with degrees such as social work, public health, public administration, international affairs, information science, and more.

49 weeks ago from Nonprofiteers, Non-Profit Management and Government and Public-Sector1 more

 
Patrick Atwater What sort of structural reforms do people think are necessary to fix the Golden state? I ask about California in particular because its shortcomings seem to exemplify the broader issues with government in the Western world: http://www.patrickatwater.com/p/my-purpose-here.html http://www.economist.com/node/18359882

52 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Patrick Atwater: Ask and the interwebs deliver: http://www.nextca.org/
51 weeks ago
 
AmyPotthast Hey everyone, the summer Idealist Grad Fairs are coming up in LA, San Francisco, New York, Washington DC + Chicago in June: http://www.gradfairs.idealist.org — check out top public-interest grad schools from around the country. Free + open to the public - all take place in the evening so working professionals can participate.

51 weeks ago from Nonprofiteers, Social Workers, Non-Profit Management, Government and Public-Sector and Young Professional Women (YPW)3 more

 
JenG I separated from the Air Force after 16 years of service to pursue my dream career. Now I want to help other military members design a civilian career they love. I'm looking for some insight from those who are either about to retire/separate or those who have just gone through it to identify challenges and frustrations. Can you help? Survey is here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X9Z79TF. Please pass on to anyone who might be interested. Thanks!

60 weeks ago from Military, Government and Public-Sector and Career Changers1 more

 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West The internet is a democratic space in the sense that web 2.0 tools have allowed for political expression, mobilization and direct action. One of the key dimensions of democracy, however, is deliberation. Can the internet provide a context for informed, nuanced decision making amidst complexity and disagreement? What tools are available for deliberation on the internet? More here: http://bit.ly/aN3OSJ

106 weeks ago from Political Bloggers, Social Media, Nonprofiteers, Government and Public-Sector and Future Leaders3 more

View 3 older replies

Elizabeth Marling: This is too fascinating not to be reopened. I also have to recommend anyone who sees this link to Tariq's blog. Incredibly thought provoking ...MoreThis is too fascinating not to be reopened. I also have to recommend anyone who sees this link to Tariq's blog. Incredibly thought provoking material, excellent brain food for any other pseudo-intellectuals like myself.
90 weeks ago
Kaseema: You have asked a very important question, however I would have to suggest you take a look at a technology called Google Wave all conversations or ...MoreYou have asked a very important question, however I would have to suggest you take a look at a technology called Google Wave all conversations or deliberations which is a discussion of all sides can be done with this technology. It can be done in real time without servers. you create the space through the use of invitation, within that space you can exchange ideas, opinions, video, pics, create agenda and, plans. Yes I would agree we must deliberate to come to an agreeable or correct conclusion which may lead to a plan of action. This I believe will begin with Web 3.0 on which Goggle Wave will lead the way.
You wrote a good blog on the subject I look forward to reading more from you.
67 weeks ago
 
Waleeta C. There seems to be a conundrum in the field of international development, and I wonder if anyone else has noticed it: one can't find work internationally (specifically in development, human rights, democracy/capacity building, etc.) unless...well, one has already worked in international development! It would be interesting to hear experiences of people working in this field, and how they started.

75 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

View 3 older replies

Kevin Li: Flip side of that point of view is that market forces shape the availability of jobs in a field right? Not sure the trends for international ...MoreFlip side of that point of view is that market forces shape the availability of jobs in a field right? Not sure the trends for international development but non-profits have been hurting here in the US leading to less jobs.

You could just experiencing a shrinkage in the overall field.
75 weeks ago
Uchechi Anyanwu: Waleeta - I agree. I know that I, personally, cannot work for free for a month full time, let alone six weeks. But I do not agree that it means ...MoreWaleeta - I agree. I know that I, personally, cannot work for free for a month full time, let alone six weeks. But I do not agree that it means that person is from a privileged background.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see a strong "all walks of life" presence in the field. And I do not think that will change in the near future.
75 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I was in DC this wkend and was struck by how cool/important the jobs were of those I met - two people worked for the FBI in top-secret positions, many were in the Coast Guard, one girl sold weapons to other countries, several lawyers/finance, another sold jets, and yet another sold helicopters. The quality of conversation as a result seemed better than in other cities. Have you found this to be true in DC? Does a strong gov't sector create strong jobs? Are smart people concentrated there?

102 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector, Washington D.C., Travel for Business, Military and Networking Tips3 more

View 17 older replies

Jay Hepner: Arguably the BEST thing about DC, and MoCo compared to any other county in MD, is the incredible diversity. People from virtually every country ...MoreArguably the BEST thing about DC, and MoCo compared to any other county in MD, is the incredible diversity. People from virtually every country in the world, every state in the country. That's the real romance of DC and MoCo. NoVa, too.
100 weeks ago
Ken: @Kathleeen Kurke--ditto. Lived in NOVA 3 years and now live in Tampa area. I slugged in/out of the district the whole time and by and large had ...More@Kathleeen Kurke--ditto. Lived in NOVA 3 years and now live in Tampa area. I slugged in/out of the district the whole time and by and large had better conversations with paralegals than I did with some with "important" job titles.
99 weeks ago
 
Ben Donahower Has anyone had experience in getting a social media strategy off the ground in a government context? Would be interested in some advice.

93 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Ahmad Shuja: I do not have personal experience in this regard, but some time ago I did read an interesting study from the State University of New York on ...MoreI do not have personal experience in this regard, but some time ago I did read an interesting study from the State University of New York on government social networking policies. Here's a link (PDF): http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/guides/social_media_policy/social...
93 weeks ago
Ben Donahower: Thanks but I got a page not found error
93 weeks ago
 
Karolyn Chowning The fiscal year ends tomorrow, and the buzz is thick in my department about reductions of programs and staff. I had to take a mini Brazen-break for my sanity. How do you keep focused (and on what?) during this kind of uncertainty? How do you prioritize searching for other salary-jobs and determining the viability of freelance income while working full-time? How do you know when to leap?

99 weeks ago from Career Changers, Education, I am Gen Y, Government and Public-Sector and Productivity & Time-Management3 more

Karolyn Chowning: Thanks Stephanie! It's nice to know that this has happened before & it'll happen again.

A little bit of everything (and none of it at ...MoreThanks Stephanie! It's nice to know that this has happened before & it'll happen again.

A little bit of everything (and none of it at work!) is my plan for now... and at work, there's deep breathing and developing a marketing plan for my program to quell my fears.
99 weeks ago
 
Monica O'Brien Hi everyone! We read about how traditional media outlets are struggling to sell ads and digital media is the new way to reach your audience. My question is: What is the biggest challenge you face with marketing your products or services online right now?

104 weeks ago from Social Pollination, Advertising Professionals, Ask A Coach, Brand Managers and Government and Public-Sector3 more

View 7 older replies

Kevin Garcia: Olivier Blanchard recently reposted a fantastic and slideshare presentation on measuring ROI for digital (and social) media: MoreOlivier Blanchard recently reposted a fantastic and slideshare presentation on measuring ROI for digital (and social) media: http://kgcr.co/dhMLLc
94 weeks ago
Kerry Kyd: I just facilitated a session with some pretty heavy hitters in digital advertising earlier this wk. There seem to be 2 major challenges: 1- sloppy ...MoreI just facilitated a session with some pretty heavy hitters in digital advertising earlier this wk. There seem to be 2 major challenges: 1- sloppy planning- people think that on-line marketing has different rules to traditional planning. It still requires great ideas, excellent execution, relevant content...In fact probalbly more than ever, because opting out is really a click away
2: marketers not truly comminiting to getting this right. On-line needs longer term planning to stretch the idea out over time & resource to keep a high qual chatter going
94 weeks ago
 
Daniel Russell Hi everyone! If you are interested in urban planning, real estate, public policy, or transportation, please check out my website www.danieljrussell.com where you'll find links to my blog and video blog. Feel free to provide feedback and enjoy!

98 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

 
Kerry I recently had my CV professionally rewritten for government positions. The final product has a space for my social security number to be added before I submit my application. With the amount of identity fraud that is occurring these days, is it recommended to remove that part of the application before submitting or is it safe to assume that because it is a government application, my identity will remain safe even with my SS# on my app. Is it even necessary to have my SS# on it?

103 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

View 2 older replies

Rebecca Thorman: I think you can leave the SS# off. One of my fav HR bloggers actually just wrote about this (she agrees - leave it off). Here's the post - MoreI think you can leave the SS# off. One of my fav HR bloggers actually just wrote about this (she agrees - leave it off). Here's the post - http://punkrockhr.com/punk-rock-hr-question-ssn-and-job-applications/
103 weeks ago
Dannielle Blumenthal: You can leave it off
101 weeks ago
 
JenG What do think: is the focus on STEM education and degrees overblown? Is it, as DARPA claims, a matter of national security? As both a scientist and writer, I tackle the subject here: http://su.pr/19kFEw

104 weeks ago from Education Conversations, Researcher & Scientists and Government and Public-Sector1 more

Wanda: Great post! I think as a nation we do need a core of people skilled in the sciences, in order to create things, solve problems and innovate. I ...MoreGreat post! I think as a nation we do need a core of people skilled in the sciences, in order to create things, solve problems and innovate. I don't think that this has to come from people in the university community (loved your mention of Ben Franklin), I don't think we as a society, tinker as much as people did in the past. I not sure we know how things work, even simple devices that we use every day.

This may be changing however, because studios have formed in my area (and others as well) where people can try out different mechanical and electronic devices and attend workshops on how they are work. Also, I believe in Mass., there is a group of people who support each other in "doing science" although they have no formal background.

A combination of formal and informal efforts would work best probably, since I am afraid that informal efforts wouldn't provide the capacity that we need or would want.
104 weeks ago
JenG: Wanda, You're absolutely right that we certainly need some scientists and engineers to do the heavy lifting. I nearly titled this post "The ...MoreWanda, You're absolutely right that we certainly need some scientists and engineers to do the heavy lifting. I nearly titled this post "The Return of the Apprentice," b/c I felt there was room to consider non-science and engineering majors in certain jobs that could just be trained up. I find it fascinating that many believe there is a natural overlap between those who study music and computer science (this place even offers a double major in the subject: http://su.pr/21wBsj). It goes back to that idea of attributes. So why limit certain tech jobs to just comp sci majors when building robots? How much more interesting to specifically look for music majors, and then teach them the tech stuff they need. I'm fascinated by this idea (if that's not obvious). LOL
104 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West Frontline's "College Inc." (http://to.pbs.org/cNjnX) raises some serious questions about for-profit education. Non-profit public and private colleges are inaccessible to millions of Americans. For-profit colleges fill some of that gap but are enormously costly to students and often do not make good on the promise of preparing students for better opportunities. What do you think, is there a place for for-profit education or are profit motives and the educational ethos antithetical to one another?

105 weeks ago from Education, Brazen Undergrads, Nonprofiteers, Government and Public-Sector and Non-Profit Management3 more

View 11 older replies

Rhonda Henderson: I've worked in two for-profit education scenarios: a charter school management organization, and the largest for-profit education company in the ...MoreI've worked in two for-profit education scenarios: a charter school management organization, and the largest for-profit education company in the world. With profit as a motive, businesses are forced to innovate to stay relevant (Kaplan U's commercials capture this trend) and competitive with other organizations. The benefits to students can be tremendous--"attending" class can be easier, and the courses can be more engaging.

The disadvantage for these students, however, is that though the institutions may deliver a quality education, they are not revered in the same way as even the lower-tiered non-profit institutions.
104 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Rhonda; all solid points. My "wonder" is...Do you think that when someone is 45 years old and going back to college to get their degree to move ...More@Rhonda; all solid points. My "wonder" is...Do you think that when someone is 45 years old and going back to college to get their degree to move up in a current position or change careers; do you think that executives look at the "for profit" degrees as 'less' of a degree? Or do you think they overlook the stereotype and think, "wow - great for them still believing in education and in themselves at 45"...I'm sure this differs by company.

That said, many of the top tier schools that have online programs (University of Maryland, University of Florida, etc) are more expensive than these for profit...

To your point, I could have gotten my MBA for free at the for profits (and still can), and I haven't taken it...I've chosen to take six sigma certification through villanova online...and will likely take my MBA through one of the state schools...although I will pay head and shoulders more than I would elsewhere...so I guess I'm living proof that the stereotype IS there; and I work in the industry.
104 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Tariq West "Don't want the job too much": I met with former Secretary of State George Schultz on Friday. Politics aside, he struck me as a remarkably thoughtful and capable statesman. Perhaps his most poignant advice was on knowing where your lines of ethics and principle are and being willing to walk away from extraordinarily attractive opportunities when they're crossed. Have you thought critically about where your lines are? Have you walked away from attractive opportunities on of a matter of principle?

105 weeks ago from Brazen Undergrads, Nonprofiteers, Government and Public-Sector, Political Bloggers and I am Gen Y3 more

View 12 older replies

Melissa Breau: @Jesse - I'm sorry to say you probably would not have gotten very far with a lawsuit. I think the company has a right to ask you to not discuss ...More@Jesse - I'm sorry to say you probably would not have gotten very far with a lawsuit. I think the company has a right to ask you to not discuss personal beliefs while at work. While working at a given company you are expected to represent that company's beliefs and not your own. That said, I think there are probably companies whose mission aligns much more closely with your own and would welcome having such a strong believer as part of their team. I would strongly recommend you reach out to these types of organizations and see if they are hiring.

Unfortunately, we do give up certain rights when we agree to work for a company. That is why it's so important to find a company that aligns with our own beliefs. And, when we find that the company we are working for does not align with our beliefs, why it is important to move on.

I think this is true far beyond Jesse's very specific religious case study, and is true with any belief. If, for example, you found out the company was doing something illegal, would you leave? What if the company offered you some of the proceeds?

As someone who works freelance, I think it's important to choose your clients carefully; but I also think there are times where you need to think critically about where exactly your personal lines are and decide that sometimes perhaps your personal beliefs have to take a back burner (not necessarily ethical beliefs, but other personal beliefs).

An interesting recent example is Elana Kagan's nomination as supreme crt. judge and the controversy around the role she played in trying to ban the military from recruiting on Harvard's grounds since they do not allow gays in the military. Essentially all she did was sign a document supporting a law suit saying this should be allowed to happen based on the idea that Harvard would not allow any other un-equal opportunity employer to recruit there, but it was over turned.... they were allowed to recruit anyway.


105 weeks ago
Sadya Siddiqui: @Tariq im really sorry this thread of urs got hijacked. i think u shud repost it. its such a gud question that u've raised. also u cud widen the ...More@Tariq im really sorry this thread of urs got hijacked. i think u shud repost it. its such a gud question that u've raised. also u cud widen the scope of it and ask how does GenY & ethics roll togther?
105 weeks ago
 
Brigette Diggs Good evening everyone. I've just joined the group and would like to know if anyone has used social media to highlight their agencies. If so, tell me about it. Please.....

107 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

View 2 older replies

Frank L. Knorek Jr.: Paula,

Both the city and county I live in have a fairly expansive website. In your opinion, what makes a blog in a municipal or county type ...MorePaula,

Both the city and county I live in have a fairly expansive website. In your opinion, what makes a blog in a municipal or county type setting more appealing?
107 weeks ago
Paula Duarte: Frank - blogs dealing with local government in my area are few and far between, so I follow them all. I also like the way blogs present ...MoreFrank - blogs dealing with local government in my area are few and far between, so I follow them all. I also like the way blogs present information in a bite-sized, more conversational style. Some of the local websites that contain lots of information can be difficult to navigate, even for people like me who previously worked in government. But I see that as an opportunity to call the clerk and ask for advice -- thereby setting up a relationship with the clerk. :)
107 weeks ago
 
Tariq West What does it mean to be a netizen? Back in December Steve Radick wrote, "The rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship are changing, and we [government practitioners] need to be educated—at every level—on how and why to engage through open government channels." This resonated with me: What does citizenship look like in the age of the internet? What new citizen "duties" are emerging on the social web? My take on this here: http://bit.ly/9i8RaR

112 weeks ago from I am Gen Y, Brazen Undergrads, Nonprofiteers, Social Entrepreneurs and Government and Public-Sector3 more

 
Victoria Shade Any Central Florida folks here? Thought you might be interested that the City of Orlando intends to apply for Google Fiber for Communities. We’re launching a campaign to rally the public support that Google is looking for in potential communities through http://getgoogling.com. Let me know if you have any questions!

115 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

Lorraine: Tampa here, close enough?
111 weeks ago
Victoria Shade: Thanks Lorraine! The deadline passed last month, so now all the Cities that have applied are playing a waiting game.
111 weeks ago
 
Jessa Chupik I'm new here. I recently left the British Columbia Public Service (Canada) and now I'm living in Ontario working as a career coach and an executive recruiter in the public and not-for-profit sectors. I'm looking forward to meeting you.

115 weeks ago from Government and Public-Sector

shiphali: Thanks Jessa, I am in India but it would be kind of you if you could help me out. Best Regards Shiphali
115 weeks ago
Jessa Chupik: Hi Shiphall. Please send me a private message or e-mail jessa@jessachupik.ca with your ...MoreHi Shiphall. Please send me a private message or e-mail jessa@jessachupik.ca with your questions. However, all of my experience has been in Canada. I look forward to hearing from you.
115 weeks ago
More
 

Join This Network Today

Join Brazen Careerist right now and you'll automatically be added to this network.

or

By clicking "Sign Up", you are indicating that you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy