Minneapolis, MN – This week I was inspired by the thirty graduate students who enrolled in my course at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Their motto is… Learn here, lead everywhere. And they are.
What issues do the students study and engage in solving?
The public issues that the students are actively engaged include:
Graduate Student Pondering Life
- Health care
- Homelessness
- Hunger
- Human services provision
- Ethics in education
- International development
- Poverty
- Youth corps in urban areas
' Wicked issues.’ This means that they are not easily solved. That doesn’t stop them from trying.
Why do students choose to study public affairs?
As it states on the Humphrey Institute web site:
"When you choose a career in public affairs, you choose a path of leadership and service. You choose to be an active participant in decisions that will affect your neighborhood, your community, your country, and people around the globe. You choose to analyze problems, seek solutions, collaborate for change, and advocate for your community."
What is the average age of the graduate student in the masters of public affairs program?
If you guessed forty-two years old, right on. If you picture stuedent in their twenties, thirties, or fifties, those ages are sprinkled in the group too.
What do you think the students pay for a one credit graduate course?
If you estimated a number between $873 and $1,004 you are right. Depending upon your focus, this is the 2010 tuition cost. Each student is making a significant financial commitment to become a better steward and leader of the public good.
What do students do once they graduate?
Many work in public institutions like government agencies, schools, etc. Others lead non-profits. Some start their own business.
One of our distinguished practitioner guest lecturers was Stella SiWan Zimmerman. She is President of ACET, Inc. ACET is an independent research corporation specializing in the evaluation of education, public health, and community-based programs She now employees six people full-time and has a large number of contract employees.
Whatever the alumni do I think that this statement from the Institute web-site sums many of them up well:
“The passion to make a difference is a powerful thing.”
Photo Source: Elin Elisabeth, Flickr
Please Comment:
- Do you or someone you know work in the public arena? Why?
- What issues are you working on?
- What are you learning?
Leadership development expert & consultant, Donna Rae Scheffert helps to propel people toward their goals easier, faster, and with more fun. Sign up for a RSS feed and read more from Donna Rae at Online-Leadership-Tools. Follow Donna Rae on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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