One of the key challenges for the federal government is to recruit -- and to retain -- talent from several high-priority populations (like “Generation Y”) and well as professionals in target occupations -- including scientists, engineers and managers.
Managers are a very desirable occupation for the federal sector. But there is good news and bad news regarding managers and the federal government according to a recent study: the good news is that the federal sector is going to need a lot of managers as a result of impending retirements. The bad news? Professional who are currently in managerial or supervisory positions in the private or nonprofit sector don't seem very interested in public service jobs.
One agency -- the U.S. Department of Labor -- is taking a unique approach to recruiting managers... and if you've got a MBA (or are thinking about getting one) you should definitely learn more about what they're doing.
The Department of Labor (DOL) MBA Fellows Program is a comprehensive two-year program designed to attract outstanding individuals with business skills acquired either through graduate education and/or related equivalent experience who can implement a business approach to managing projects at DOL. They are looking for skills like: quantitative and analytical thinking, strategic planning, project management, leveraging technology, and tying organizational goals to performance results.
Participants are hired at the entry GS-9 grade level (low to mid $40s) with a target of a GS-12 grade level (low to mid $60s) upon program completion, when they are converted to a competitive permanent federal position.
Rotational assignments are a key component of this program -- and what really makes it unique. Fellows get to see all kinds of jobs at DOL, and within many different DOL agencies. Assignments may be in areas such as budgeting, program analysis, investigation, compliance assistance, financial management, human resources, and information technology. Fellow are given real responsibility -- from developing organizational studies and analysis, project management, or proposing new processes for maximum resource utilization, to assisting in annual fiscal planning. And although participants work at DOL headquarters in Washington, they are also required to participate in one 90-day rotational assignment at one of DOL's Regional Offices. The program also includes mentoring, career development, and networking activities, as well as shadowing assignments.
Are you a fit? The program has become very competitive already -- even though it began in 2002. Applicants should be able to demonstrate: academic achievement and/or relevant work experience; leadership potential and teamwork skills; commitment to a career in public service; project management skills; the flexibility to adapt; and strong written and verbal communication skills. U.S. citizenship required.
Applications will be accepted starting on January 16 through February 12, 2007. Interested candidates can learn more and apply on line at www.job.dol.gov/mba .
