Part of YGL’s mission and intent is to educate our members about matters impacting them in the federal government. Our prior blogs have talked at length about issues related to professional and personal management. In this blog, however, I want to explore some bills currently on the Hill that might be of interest to you and your colleagues.
Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Education Debt for Service Act (GO FEDS), H.R. 2363/S.1047
Got student loan debt? If you are the average undergraduate, you probably owe nearly $19,000 for your college education. While some agencies in the federal government currently offer loan repayment, this loan repayment must be included in taxable income. This bill would amend the tax code so that student loan repayments made on behalf of federal civilian employees and active military service members would be deemed non-taxable. That’s a little extra jingle in the pockets of money-strapped recent college graduates that could make the difference between noshing ramen noodles for dinner every night or deluxe dinning at Whole Foods.
The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2007, H.R. 3799
Now, many of you may not be thinking about babies anytime soon…but if you plan on having them anytime in the future, this is an important bill to consider. Under current federal law, there is NO MATERNITY LEAVE POLICY. Instead, employees can use 6-8 weeks of sick leave following the birth of their child. It takes employees 3 years on average to accrue 8 weeks of sick leave. Any additional time the employee wishes to take off has to come from annual or unpaid leave. Originally calling for 8 weeks of paid leave for new mothers (by birth or adoption), the bill was recently halved to 4 weeks out of concerns regarding cost.
United States Public Service Academy, H.R. 1671/S.960
This bill introduced last spring would establish a 5,000-person undergraduate university to attract a new generation of students to civil service employment. The new Academy, likened to the Naval and Air Force academies, would offer students a free education in exchange for at least five years of civil service at the local, state, or federal level. In order to attend, students at the academy would have to be nominated by members of Congress and would be required to study abroad and complete internships in the non-profit or military sector. There has been must dissent as to whether the Academy would be the best way to attract and retain young people, but I’ll let you all draw your own conclusions.
For those of you that remember the BEST Schoolhouse Rock EVER, check out “I’m Just a Bill” on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ.
Kate Walker
President, Young Government Leaders
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
YGL: The Key to Establishing A Professional Organization in Your Agency
When I started work at United States Postal Service four years ago, I discovered that there was no real forum to meet other new professionals at our massive Headquarters facility. And while we had an official orientation and I was welcomed warmly by my colleagues in the Global Business Group, I felt that there was a real opportunity to build an organization where new employees could meet counterparts from across the organization’s many functional areas. It was about that time that I heard about YGL… here was an organization with members from across government with a mission of bringing together young feds and offering professional development opportunities. Here was an organization doing exactly what I was interested in doing at the agency level.
While the Postal Service is different in many ways from your traditional federal departments and agencies, employees have many of the same needs and goals. By bringing together a number of interested and energetic employees and leveraging my involvement in Young Government Leaders, we have now established a group at Headquarters called Emerging Postal Leaders (EPL). The groups are not mutually exclusive and, in fact, the EPL group complements YGL by taking advantage of many of YGL’s activities and creating opportunities to host joint events.
With the wave of federal retirements continuing, agencies will be recruiting large numbers of entry and mid-level professionals to fill the gap and that means great opportunities for YGL. But it also means opportunities for motivated individuals to start professional organizations in their respective agencies. The need is great! And there are already great examples of success such as the State Department’s YPro (the Society of Young Professionals). But I encourage new federal employees to take the initiative and seek out like-minded colleagues interested in learning more about the various parts of your agency and interested in climbing the management ranks. And while you’re at it… encourage your peers and colleagues to attend YGL’s diverse professional, social and community events as we work jointly to attract and keep our Nation’s best and brightest.
Bruce Marsh
Chairman, YGL Strategic Planning Committee
2007-2008
While the Postal Service is different in many ways from your traditional federal departments and agencies, employees have many of the same needs and goals. By bringing together a number of interested and energetic employees and leveraging my involvement in Young Government Leaders, we have now established a group at Headquarters called Emerging Postal Leaders (EPL). The groups are not mutually exclusive and, in fact, the EPL group complements YGL by taking advantage of many of YGL’s activities and creating opportunities to host joint events.
With the wave of federal retirements continuing, agencies will be recruiting large numbers of entry and mid-level professionals to fill the gap and that means great opportunities for YGL. But it also means opportunities for motivated individuals to start professional organizations in their respective agencies. The need is great! And there are already great examples of success such as the State Department’s YPro (the Society of Young Professionals). But I encourage new federal employees to take the initiative and seek out like-minded colleagues interested in learning more about the various parts of your agency and interested in climbing the management ranks. And while you’re at it… encourage your peers and colleagues to attend YGL’s diverse professional, social and community events as we work jointly to attract and keep our Nation’s best and brightest.
Bruce Marsh
Chairman, YGL Strategic Planning Committee
2007-2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
LEADERSHIP
While my fellowship experience in the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is coming to a close (graduating this summer!), I will carry with me important life lessons on leadership. In fact, I keep them posted at my desk as daily reminders. They originated from daily observations of federal leaders and mentors that I deeply admire and respect. These extraordinary folks taught me that…
The workplace ought to be the most creative place on the planet;
Everything is an experiment;
Expect the unexpected;
Everyone is invaluable and irreplaceable;
Give people respect when they least expect it and least deserve it;
Playing it safe is risky (never be afraid of change – don't become complacent); but
Maturity does not equal conformity;
Go the extra mile; and
Leadership is an action, not a position or title.
Young feds, what are you learning about leadership? How will you apply those lessons in your life and career? Whether surrounded by good or bad leaders in the workplace, I encourage you to write down your observations on leadership. You'll be surprise by your list, and hopefully inspired and transformed.
Lora L. Allen
Young Government Leaders, Membership Committee Chair, 2007-2008
Presidential Management Fellow, 2006-2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Beyond the Office
I believe there is harmony in seeking to be well-rounded. We are whole individuals and should not be summed up solely by the positions we hold. It is a part of us, and everything we do in one aspect of our lives contributes to another aspect of our lives, i.e. our work in the federal government. Allow me a moment to reflect on some aspects of life outside our federal employment that in turn contributes to our overall productivity and well-being.
Challenge
Aside from at work, are you challenging yourself in other aspects of your life? You work approximately a 40 hour work week. Well there’s 168 hours in a week and if you deduct sleep, travel and work time, there’s still over 60 hours left in your week. That leaves at least 8 ½ hours a day- that’s enough for a whole other work day! What in the world are you doing with it? Get involved. Do you participate in outside social and/or professional organizations such as YGL, volunteer, or take up special interests or hobbies, etc. Is there somewhere you’d like to be professionally 5-7 years from now? If so, and it’s not in line with what your current job entails, what are you doing to get there? Make yourself more competitive. Want to do communications, but it doesn’t seem to fit into any of the requirements of your current position? Take an advanced writing class, a class in journalism, or look into your local Toastmasters. International work? Expose yourself to different cultures, take a course in Governance, or learn a new language. Be creative, be proactive, and whatever you do, don’t just let life just pass you by.
Relax
When you take vacation time from work…take a vacation!!! Don’t just stay home to run errands and work on “home projects”, that’s what the weekends are for. Nothing is worse than burnout, and it can happen even in a job that you ab-so-lute-ly love. When you return to work, you will be refreshed, and may approach your job responsibilities and future goals with a new positive perspective. I prefer to hop on a plane and travel somewhere distant and unknown, but a vacation can be just as simple and effective as taking a relaxing road trip a few states away to a quaint town, getting geared up for the outdoor adventures of picturesque mountains or woods, or the liveliness of an upbeat city that never sleeps. Whatever’s your pleasure, just take your pick and GO.
Save, Save, Save!!!
If you can save, even if only a little, it will make you feel more in control. It can’t be a good feeling to have to live paycheck to paycheck. If you can save a little each check, you can start to build a nest egg. Yes, of course many of us will say “my job doesn’t pay enough”, and unless your up for a promotion, that’s probably not going to change tomorrow. Above all else, you should be happy with what you’ve chosen to do professionally and until you can make the money that makes you comfortable, work with what you’ve got. Try cutting back on some things that aren’t necessities right now. If things are tight, you may want to make some adjustments like consolidating your student loans or putting them into deferment. Contribute to your 401K, most agencies will match up to 5%. That’s free money in addition to your paycheck; don’t let it pass you by. Put forth some effort in trying to save and invest, and you’ll probably find yourself less stressed over what your paycheck looks like today, because you’ll know soon it will look much better.
Strengthen your Network
All of us know about professional networking, but don’t forget about making time to nurture relationships with family and friends. This is a strong network, one that will follow you throughout your life and therefore throughout your careers. Treat this network as an investment in your personal well-being.
We are Young Government Leaders, and when I think of a leader, I think of a person who has a passion for what they do and work hard to be good at it. They work hard by taking initiative, constantly challenging themselves as well as those around them, and they seek to be positive well-rounded individuals, who know the value of nurturing strong networks both professionally and personally. It’s important to have an interest in what you do, and know your limits. Then push yourself beyond your “comfort zone”, and as you blaze your trail to success, remember to encourage and guide those following.
Marissa Pretto, Treasurer
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Challenge
Aside from at work, are you challenging yourself in other aspects of your life? You work approximately a 40 hour work week. Well there’s 168 hours in a week and if you deduct sleep, travel and work time, there’s still over 60 hours left in your week. That leaves at least 8 ½ hours a day- that’s enough for a whole other work day! What in the world are you doing with it? Get involved. Do you participate in outside social and/or professional organizations such as YGL, volunteer, or take up special interests or hobbies, etc. Is there somewhere you’d like to be professionally 5-7 years from now? If so, and it’s not in line with what your current job entails, what are you doing to get there? Make yourself more competitive. Want to do communications, but it doesn’t seem to fit into any of the requirements of your current position? Take an advanced writing class, a class in journalism, or look into your local Toastmasters. International work? Expose yourself to different cultures, take a course in Governance, or learn a new language. Be creative, be proactive, and whatever you do, don’t just let life just pass you by.
Relax
When you take vacation time from work…take a vacation!!! Don’t just stay home to run errands and work on “home projects”, that’s what the weekends are for. Nothing is worse than burnout, and it can happen even in a job that you ab-so-lute-ly love. When you return to work, you will be refreshed, and may approach your job responsibilities and future goals with a new positive perspective. I prefer to hop on a plane and travel somewhere distant and unknown, but a vacation can be just as simple and effective as taking a relaxing road trip a few states away to a quaint town, getting geared up for the outdoor adventures of picturesque mountains or woods, or the liveliness of an upbeat city that never sleeps. Whatever’s your pleasure, just take your pick and GO.
Save, Save, Save!!!
If you can save, even if only a little, it will make you feel more in control. It can’t be a good feeling to have to live paycheck to paycheck. If you can save a little each check, you can start to build a nest egg. Yes, of course many of us will say “my job doesn’t pay enough”, and unless your up for a promotion, that’s probably not going to change tomorrow. Above all else, you should be happy with what you’ve chosen to do professionally and until you can make the money that makes you comfortable, work with what you’ve got. Try cutting back on some things that aren’t necessities right now. If things are tight, you may want to make some adjustments like consolidating your student loans or putting them into deferment. Contribute to your 401K, most agencies will match up to 5%. That’s free money in addition to your paycheck; don’t let it pass you by. Put forth some effort in trying to save and invest, and you’ll probably find yourself less stressed over what your paycheck looks like today, because you’ll know soon it will look much better.
Strengthen your Network
All of us know about professional networking, but don’t forget about making time to nurture relationships with family and friends. This is a strong network, one that will follow you throughout your life and therefore throughout your careers. Treat this network as an investment in your personal well-being.
We are Young Government Leaders, and when I think of a leader, I think of a person who has a passion for what they do and work hard to be good at it. They work hard by taking initiative, constantly challenging themselves as well as those around them, and they seek to be positive well-rounded individuals, who know the value of nurturing strong networks both professionally and personally. It’s important to have an interest in what you do, and know your limits. Then push yourself beyond your “comfort zone”, and as you blaze your trail to success, remember to encourage and guide those following.
Marissa Pretto, Treasurer
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Success in Government
I am sure there are plenty of articles on how to be successful in the Federal Government, but I believe that relationship management, taking ownership and how you dress are key components to being successful.
Throughout our careers we will work with, for, and supervise numerous people. Effectively managing those relationships are critical to success in the Federal Government. Whether you are setting the agenda or playing a support role, developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with others in the workplace will lend to your credibility and character. Communication plays a key role in relationship management as well. Talk with your coworkers, supervisors and subordinates. What are their goals? What can you learn from each other? Maintaining that communication after you depart the organization is equally important, whether it is through a simple e-mail during the holidays or meeting up for lunch. While communication is imperative to maintaining a healthy relationship, the crucial component is honesty and trustworthiness. You should always do the right thing and be dependable. When you walk into a room, you should be able to hold your head up high, because no one can point at you and say that you could not be trusted or that you were not dependable.
As we begin our career, some may find it difficult to exercise leadership and management skills in the workplace. Whether you are an intern or just new to Federal Government, you may feel that you are not able to display your potential for greater responsibilities to your supervisor and senior managers. While you may not be running your department anytime soon, I believe that you can display your potential by taking ownership of smaller projects within your organization. Look for projects you can run such as a holiday party or summer social. These events have the same basic components of any other project: coordination, planning, scope definition, budget and time management. Take ownership of these projects and give them your very best. Not only will you receive recognition, your supervisors and senior managers will know what you are capable of and consider you for roles of greater responsibility.
While the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” rings true, it is unfortunately not the case as we initially judge others by their appearance. How you dress can definitely send the wrong signals as a sloppy appearance may lead colleagues to believe that you do not care, or pay attention to detail. It may be that your peers or supervisors might not take you seriously. A mentor once shared a story from early in her career on dressing. She was in her twenties and dressed stylishly, but as a mid-level manager, her colleagues and subordinates did not take her seriously as she was sending off all the wrong signals. Fortunately, her mentor soon pulled her in and shared with her the importance of dressing for success. As you progress throughout your career, it is important to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
There is no one road to success as we all take different paths to reach our goals. I wish you the best of luck in your career and may you become a future leader in Federal Government.
Shaun Khalfan, Strategic Planning Committee
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Throughout our careers we will work with, for, and supervise numerous people. Effectively managing those relationships are critical to success in the Federal Government. Whether you are setting the agenda or playing a support role, developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with others in the workplace will lend to your credibility and character. Communication plays a key role in relationship management as well. Talk with your coworkers, supervisors and subordinates. What are their goals? What can you learn from each other? Maintaining that communication after you depart the organization is equally important, whether it is through a simple e-mail during the holidays or meeting up for lunch. While communication is imperative to maintaining a healthy relationship, the crucial component is honesty and trustworthiness. You should always do the right thing and be dependable. When you walk into a room, you should be able to hold your head up high, because no one can point at you and say that you could not be trusted or that you were not dependable.
As we begin our career, some may find it difficult to exercise leadership and management skills in the workplace. Whether you are an intern or just new to Federal Government, you may feel that you are not able to display your potential for greater responsibilities to your supervisor and senior managers. While you may not be running your department anytime soon, I believe that you can display your potential by taking ownership of smaller projects within your organization. Look for projects you can run such as a holiday party or summer social. These events have the same basic components of any other project: coordination, planning, scope definition, budget and time management. Take ownership of these projects and give them your very best. Not only will you receive recognition, your supervisors and senior managers will know what you are capable of and consider you for roles of greater responsibility.
While the old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” rings true, it is unfortunately not the case as we initially judge others by their appearance. How you dress can definitely send the wrong signals as a sloppy appearance may lead colleagues to believe that you do not care, or pay attention to detail. It may be that your peers or supervisors might not take you seriously. A mentor once shared a story from early in her career on dressing. She was in her twenties and dressed stylishly, but as a mid-level manager, her colleagues and subordinates did not take her seriously as she was sending off all the wrong signals. Fortunately, her mentor soon pulled her in and shared with her the importance of dressing for success. As you progress throughout your career, it is important to dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
There is no one road to success as we all take different paths to reach our goals. I wish you the best of luck in your career and may you become a future leader in Federal Government.
Shaun Khalfan, Strategic Planning Committee
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Governmentesque Reality
"Ask not what your country can do for you-ask what you can do for your country." These words were said by the late President John F. Kennedy to provoke people to become federal employees. Max Stier, president of the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service,believes it is the opposite for today’s generations. Max states in “C’mon and Be a Bureaucrat” article featured in Newsweek,”It’s not about what you can do for government. We need to convey what government can do for you.” The article was based on the usual stereotypes of government work and how it’s hard to recruit for the 50% of its workforce retiring by 2012.
The main interviewee that concerned me was an ex-government employee, who worked for my agency, GSA, whom I remember. I think this is an example of people not taking advantage of what the government is doing for “you.” He referred to his experience and his understanding of his job as a “Kafkaesque nightmare”. (Side note to let me save you time: Kafkaesque, Adjective: 1. Of or relating to Franz Kafka or his writings. 2. Marked by surreal distortion and often a sense of impending danger The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.) He was in the career development program. The program is geared toward recruiting Generation Y’s at an entry level position. It provides an opportunity to rotate throughout all of GSA’s departments. The program also offers a promotion in grade scale every year completed of the program. It offers the opportunity to network, understand the agency’s process, and an overview of its clients and inventory. After finishing the program at a GS-12, you head back to your “home base” in GSA and permanent position with a wealth of knowledge. I’m going to have to comment on my experience. My job, anyone’s job, is to find out how you can better yourself, your position, and your agency’s/business’s mission. This is something that a government job offers; dynamics to take your career on a path you choose. Also in building your career, you have work/life balance with a competitive benefit and retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and 40 hour work weeks(usually). The pay scale salary is something not to forget to mention. No, we are not making millions in bonuses and stock options, but we know we are making a difference in this nation. I’m not sure the ex-government employee applied himself enough to reap all the benefits of his job and what the surrounding city was offering.
The Federal Government is portraying these positive truths to recruit and retain employees. It is trying to convey what the government can do for you. I think we are living examples. It’s something like a “governmentesque” reality.
I do wish the ex-government employee all the best in his aspiring actor career. I never said I don’t believe in following your dreams.
Mary Morrison, Social Networking Chair
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
The main interviewee that concerned me was an ex-government employee, who worked for my agency, GSA, whom I remember. I think this is an example of people not taking advantage of what the government is doing for “you.” He referred to his experience and his understanding of his job as a “Kafkaesque nightmare”. (Side note to let me save you time: Kafkaesque, Adjective: 1. Of or relating to Franz Kafka or his writings. 2. Marked by surreal distortion and often a sense of impending danger The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition. 2000.) He was in the career development program. The program is geared toward recruiting Generation Y’s at an entry level position. It provides an opportunity to rotate throughout all of GSA’s departments. The program also offers a promotion in grade scale every year completed of the program. It offers the opportunity to network, understand the agency’s process, and an overview of its clients and inventory. After finishing the program at a GS-12, you head back to your “home base” in GSA and permanent position with a wealth of knowledge. I’m going to have to comment on my experience. My job, anyone’s job, is to find out how you can better yourself, your position, and your agency’s/business’s mission. This is something that a government job offers; dynamics to take your career on a path you choose. Also in building your career, you have work/life balance with a competitive benefit and retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and 40 hour work weeks(usually). The pay scale salary is something not to forget to mention. No, we are not making millions in bonuses and stock options, but we know we are making a difference in this nation. I’m not sure the ex-government employee applied himself enough to reap all the benefits of his job and what the surrounding city was offering.
The Federal Government is portraying these positive truths to recruit and retain employees. It is trying to convey what the government can do for you. I think we are living examples. It’s something like a “governmentesque” reality.
I do wish the ex-government employee all the best in his aspiring actor career. I never said I don’t believe in following your dreams.
Mary Morrison, Social Networking Chair
Young Government Leaders
2007-2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Taking Control of your Federal Career
Have you ever wondered if working for the Federal government is the best fit for you professionally? If you are currently pondering your “Federal” existence, I recommend you take some time to really pinpoint what you don’t like or enjoy about your current job situation. Often, many people unilaterally dismiss working for the Federal government, when the issue is actually that their agency, job series, or team is not the best fit. As young government professionals, it is important to think about the root of your professional unhappiness before taking a leap to your next job. Otherwise, you will find yourself continually in the wrong position. Once you have figured the real reasons you are unhappy in your job and what you would like to have in your next job, you can begin to take control of the situation.
Here are some questions to ponder when trying to figure out what you need to change or want in your future position:
1) Do you love the mission of your particular agency? If not, there are plenty of other federal agencies that might have a mission more in line with your own interests, cares and concerns. Do some research and find a good fit for you.
2) Do you enjoy how you spend you days at work? Do you like the activities your job requires of you? Do you feel tied down by your job series or interested in exploring another job series? If so, don’t be afraid to ask your agency for developmental rotations outside of your typical line of work. Keep in mind, this might result in putting in some extra hours and doing additional work, but it will be worth finding your job bliss in the long run. If you are curious about other job series, be sure to network with recognized people in your field of interest; you never know who you will meet or the opportunities that will arise as a result of a mere conversation.
3) Are you enjoying your job but just don’t like your team? If so, don’t be afraid to tell your boss you need a change and would like to work on a different team. You will never have new opportunities if you don’t ask for them and I’m sure your boss has been in your situation at some point in his/her career.
When considering whether to take the leap to another agency or whether you should stay in government, remember that many of the most successful Government leaders have taken a unique approach to their Government career and stepped outside the typical tenured employee. My advice to each of you is to follow in these leaders’ footsteps and take control of your career. Explore different agencies and jobs throughout your time in the Federal Government. Enjoy ever minute that you have the opportunity to serve your country. And, don’t assume that just because your current job isn’t working for you that your perfect job doesn’t exist in the Federal Government.
Cara Spiro, Professional Development Co-Chair
Here are some questions to ponder when trying to figure out what you need to change or want in your future position:
1) Do you love the mission of your particular agency? If not, there are plenty of other federal agencies that might have a mission more in line with your own interests, cares and concerns. Do some research and find a good fit for you.
2) Do you enjoy how you spend you days at work? Do you like the activities your job requires of you? Do you feel tied down by your job series or interested in exploring another job series? If so, don’t be afraid to ask your agency for developmental rotations outside of your typical line of work. Keep in mind, this might result in putting in some extra hours and doing additional work, but it will be worth finding your job bliss in the long run. If you are curious about other job series, be sure to network with recognized people in your field of interest; you never know who you will meet or the opportunities that will arise as a result of a mere conversation.
3) Are you enjoying your job but just don’t like your team? If so, don’t be afraid to tell your boss you need a change and would like to work on a different team. You will never have new opportunities if you don’t ask for them and I’m sure your boss has been in your situation at some point in his/her career.
When considering whether to take the leap to another agency or whether you should stay in government, remember that many of the most successful Government leaders have taken a unique approach to their Government career and stepped outside the typical tenured employee. My advice to each of you is to follow in these leaders’ footsteps and take control of your career. Explore different agencies and jobs throughout your time in the Federal Government. Enjoy ever minute that you have the opportunity to serve your country. And, don’t assume that just because your current job isn’t working for you that your perfect job doesn’t exist in the Federal Government.
Cara Spiro, Professional Development Co-Chair
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