Post 12.

Another great practical learning experience I was able to take advantage of was sitting in on meetings. My supervisor always involved me in all the major happenings of the division. Whether it was a regional projects manager meeting or a simple unit meeting where the four of us planned out the next week's tasks, I got a glimpse of what daily life would be for someone in that position. I think a big challenge for someone coming into the public sector for the first time is just getting used to all the formalities of mandates and how that dictates many of your job responsibilities. Being able to traverse the mandate world seems like half of what it takes to be a successful manager. As an outside observer, I felt it was a constant struggle for those in the office who were familiar with the technical side of the job to effectively handle the administrative side. Many of the project managers had special skill sets that served them well while they were on site or developing plans but when confronted with the task of updating public files or other measures pertaining to public information it was a game of catch-up. I definitely think this will be an important issue to address as more departments are downsized and units merge with each other, the need for skilled professionals in all areas, technical and administrative, will greatly affect the level of services being provided. Some agencies have been able to achieve this balance while others still remained divided.

As my last days as a "student" near, I think about what I would have done differently knowing what I know now. One thing I wish I had pursued was a science degree. I always had an interest in geology after I took a general studies course in it but never thought I would be able to use it in my career field. I do think there is more of a need for young people to pursue degrees in more technical fields as it will always benefit you in some way regardless of what your job turns out to be.