Three Rocks & a Well-Worn Keyboard:
Gaining Competencies in the NIU MPA
Program
Dr. Kurt Thurmaier
Professor and Director
Northern Illinois University
Division of Public Administration
Three Rocks for a Successful MPA
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Theory AND Practice
Work Experience IS a Classroom
Take Time to Invest in Yourself
Theory AND Practice
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The Portfolio Approach
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Build a collection of achievements
Self-assessment at beginning and end of MPA
Competencies-based Curriculum
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Collaboration is a Key Competency
Writing is a Key Competency
Writing in the NIU MPA Program
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One of the most important value-added
competencies of the MPA degree at NIU.
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Still most effective form of communications
Still most highly prized competency of employers
Writing in the NIU MPA Program
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Difficult to write for different audiences
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Efficiency of writing top value of decisionmakers
Read/Write, Listen/Speak
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Look at memos, professional articles (PM), scholarly
journals
Mimic the styles
Just in time writing is often poor quality
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Need gel time
Need proofing time
NIU MPA Writing Framework
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Chicago Manual of Style, 2007, for all
courses. In bookstores under PSPA 699
Perfection is NOT a weakness!
Every blemish, every sloppiness, each
degrades the integrity of YOUR work.
Multiple Types of Writing
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Short Memos
Case Papers
Term Papers
Capstone Paper
Follow the format guidelines in
the course syllabus
Good practice for grant
applications.
Different writing
than other papers
Writing Resources
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The MPA Website: Current Students
The NIU Writing Center
Free NIU or online citation software (such as
RefWorks) for citations/bibliographies
USE THEM!
Work Experience IS a Classroom
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A 2 Year Internship Program
Mid-career Enhancement
Our capstone program
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Theory AND Practice
Systems view of problems
Recommend practical solutions
Teach the professor something
Writing is different than for most course papers
Take Time to Invest in Yourself
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Writing Takes Time
Thinking is Hard Work…It Takes Time
Reflection Time is Essential
Summary
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Learn how to balance practice and theory.
On the job and in the classroom.
Your internship or your job is not a viable learning experience without
classroom learning—especially reading the assignments.
Make sure you use your internship and job experience as a classroom.
Find a mentor—we can help.
Reflect on how the theories you learn in the classroom can help you do
a better job.
Take time for yourself.
Protect thinking time.
Exercise regularly to stay healthy.