A good network is important to have when embarking on a new career path, and ICMA recognizes this.  ICMA’s Knowledge Network, which was rolled out in May 2010, allows users to submit questions on a variety of topics. Users can post questions publicly or anonymously to either the entire Knowledge Network or to a specific group of viewers based on group or interest. 

Many of the Knowledge Network’s early users have found this to be a great resource for exploring career options and getting advice from ICMA members and other local government practitioners. Some examples of recent career questions include:

A1: Congratulations on completing your MPA and internship. You didn't say whether or not you were flexible on traveling to a new city/state. That's certainly one consideration. Networking with local government folks in your area and through ICMA is your best bet. I got my first assistant's job via an informational interview with past ICMA President Don Borut many years ago. Don knew a manager who was looking for someone and referred me to him. The upcoming ICMA conference should be a great place to meet and network with folks in your state and around the country. If you can afford to go, it would be a great place to start. Much success to you.

A2: I recently asked a very similar question, which received much response. The responses I received could be summarized as: obtain additional internships to develop the minimum threshold of experience, take an entry level job, or be willing to move to a very small community. Many "next-gen" managers, myself included, have effectivly been costed out by managers with 20+ years expereince. 

A1: I certainly understand the frustration several have expressed here on this topic. I expressed it for several years myself. What I had to learn was that most people are not going to come out of an MPA program and go directly into a job as a manager/assistant manager, unless they also have prior applicable real-world experience. What I know NOW is that there are good reasons for that. When I had been in the public management sector for 8 years, I finally realized the advice I'd gotten for years was right...the best way for me to get the budgetary and supervisory experience necessary to become ready for city management was to take a position as the director of a municipal service department. In the time I held that job, I developed the skills and knowledge I once THOUGHT I already had. Then, when the administrator position I now hold came along, I could truthfully tell the hiring Council that I had both the academic and experiential background they were seeking in an administrator.

I will also advise that, if you are unwilling/unable to put in a few years in a mid-management position to gain that experience, and being a manager TODAY is the only route you'll accept, you have to be willing to seek jobs in smaller, probably more rural areas where the salaries may not be as high. You'll get GREAT experience quickly, and that's the trade-off for the difference in compensation. As a current participant in the Emerging Leaders Program, I encourage your participation in that as well. 

If you have similar questions that you would like to ask of ICMA members and local government practitioners, we encourage you to sign in and explore the Knowledge Network. This valuable resource will help you on your path to local government management, as well as facilitate a shared learning experience among you and your peers. To get started, visit http://icma.org/kn and create an account (it’s free!), if you do not already have one. Once you’re signed up, it is recommended that you check out the Help Wiki so that you get the most out of this new tool. Once you’re familiar with the site, go ahead and post away!