Archive for June, 2011

Template to Getting Boss’s Approval for NextGen

By on June 30, 2011 in all, Uncategorized with No Comments

I got a few more emails this week from folks that want to attend Next Generation of Government Summit but don’t think they can get the budget approval.

Each time, I asked them if they had made a case yet to their boss and actually been denied and they said no and that they didn’t know how to make the case.

So I thought I’d write a template of ways to ask for approval. This is NextGen focused (and you should tailor to your own situation) but this skill is important to develop regardless if asking for training or a rotation or a promotion.

It’s a skill the next generation needs to develop – how to make the case and ask for what you want.

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Dear (boss)-

I’d like to attend training at the Next Generation of Government Summit (nextgengovt.com) on July 28-29th and wanted to get your approval.

I think this training will be useful in helping me do my job in the following ways:

1) Presentation skills – A big part of my job is presenting my work and analysis to senior management. I would love to improve these presentations both in terms of powerpoint skills and public speaking skills. There is a session hosted by Dave Ueijo of NIH on “How to be a Great Public Speaker” based on his experience briefing senior execs at NIH.

2) Time and project management – I’m excited to have so many great projects to work on. I would love to improve my ability to manage my time across projects and deliver great projects on time within budget. There is a great session on “Managing the work/life balance” which features a young SES who rose the ranks while attending college and raising two kids. Additionally, there is a session on “Project management 101″ featuring 3 great project managers from DHS to OPM.

3) Lessons learned from other agencies – For my current assignments, I know there are other agencies doing similar work and I’d love to learn and leverage best practices. During the event, there is a speed networking session where I’ll meet the other attendees plus I plan on meeting and following-up with the speakers. I will be able to bring these connections and lessons learned back to our agency.

After the conference, I plan to write-up an analysis of the sessions I attended and key takeaways for our team. I also could provide a short briefing in our weekly team meeting.

The cost to attend the training is $650. Based on the level of learning, I think this is a good value – similar conferences such as a course on “Time Management” at Learning Tree is $1,500. Plus, I’ve searched and found a coupon to save $55 (LoopedIn2011).

Thanks for considering my request. If you would like to discuss further, please let me know when a good time is for you this week.

Thanks!

-Steve

Network Roulette

By on June 28, 2011 in all, Uncategorized with No Comments

Already registered to attend NGGS?

On the fence; not quite sure this summit is for you?

Don’t have the travel or professional development budget to make it happen?

We’ve teamed up with Brazen Careerist and found  a way to get you all involved before the summit!

Join GovLoop and YGL as we host Network Roulette for the Next Generation of Government Leaders on Wednesday, July 6 at 2:00pm ET, for a virtual networking experience prior to the in-person summit July 28-29.

It’s simple (and free)! Register today and log in on July 6 and you’ll be connected to other emerging government leaders for an hour-long “speed networking” experience.

Network Roulette Events put you in direct, live conversations with peers and experts who are looking to connect and build their professional network. Over the course of the event, you will have 5 minutes of uninterrupted time to talk with each participant via text chat. It’s like speed networking, but it’s online and you don’t have to worry about leaving an awkward conversation or coming home with an expensive bar tab. After the event, you will have the opportunity to follow up with each person who may be able to help you out. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s a fun way to build your new professional network and take your career to the next level.

For more information and to register – click here!

OPM Approved: NextGen Receives OPM Letter

By on June 25, 2011 in all, Uncategorized with No Comments

YGL and GovLoop are really excited that we just got an official memo from OPM supporting the Next Gen conference “as training in compliance with 5 U.S.C. Chapter 41″

Check it out below and at OPM’s website

Next Gen Speaker Interview Series: Rebecca Schreiber

By on June 22, 2011 in all with No Comments

Next up in our NextGen Speaker Series is the wonderful Rebecca Schreiber, Certified Financial Planner, Solid Ground Financial Planning.

1. Introduce Yourself! What’s your story in 10 words or less?

I am a change agent who found my calling bringing structure to the financial lives of young professionals. My father’s work in academia moved my family around the country and as a kid I realized that if I had my own money, I could choose where I wanted to be.

That desire for personal empowerment is what led me to delve into personal financial planning. While managing a 90-million dollar program for an online retailer (at age 23) I met my husband and moved down to D.C. where he had a software company.

While working for the federal government I went looking for a few-only financial planner to help me map out my goals. After contacting over 20 planners I learned that none had experience working with young people and I couldn’t afford them anyway. So I enrolled in the College for Financial Planning to learn the information myself.

While completing the coursework and talking about it with my friends I learned that everyone had questions but there were no sources of expertise for young professionals. So Solid Ground Financial Planning was born – to provide pure advice, purchase by the client directly, tailored to their needs.

2. What is the scoop on your session at NextGen? What will you be discussing?
I’m really excited about NextGen. I’m going to talk about Having It All – Even On A Government Salary. Mosy young professionals need to juggle multiple financial goals all at the same time (debt management, savings goals, and retirement investing among others). This presentation will show them how to keep them from getting in over their heads.

The biggest mistake young Feds make is putting any extra cash towards student loans instead of holding on to an emergency fund. I’ll go into that more at the event.

3. Why do you think it is important for a young govie to attend a conference like NextGen?
It’s really important to attend NextGen to persevere in government service. If NextGen had been around for me I may have stayed in public service, knowing others were struggling as well and that I wasn’t alone. NextGen helps you keep perspective and builds a common voice, a powerful voice.

4. Who is your favorite public servant? Why?
I have two favorite public servants. The first is Ben Bernanke (surprise, surprise). In my opinion he and his supporters saved our financial system and warded off a major depression. I am grateful he was here when I as a citizen needed him.

My second favorite is my former boss Paul Harris. Paul was my first boss in federal service and he believed in me and moved mountains to help me succeed. I will always be grateful to him for his kindness and leadership.
5. Bieber or Bono? iPhone or Droid?
Bono – he can pull off cooler shades. iPhone – while Steve Jobs is still at the helm of Apple. He may be full of himself but the man puts out sweet product.

6. Thinking back, what is one thing you would tell your 22 year old self?
Hang in there – it gets much better than this. Also, remind yourself every day why you’re here.

Be sure to check back for more Next Gen speaker interviews!

Speaker Interview Series: Nicholas Charney

By on June 15, 2011 in all with No Comments

Guest Post from Shannon Donelson

As we continue to get pumped for the Next Generation of Government Summit, we will be featuring  some of our incredible speakers in an interview series.  Who’s up first? None other than Mr. Nicholas Charney, our opening Keynote speaker.

1. Introduce Yourself! What’s your story in 10 words or less?

Public sector entrepreneur working on the inside.

2. What is the scoop on your session at NextGen? What will you be discussing?

Last year I helped open the conference and I have to say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my career thus far. I shared my personal story of moving from helpless depression to off the chart engagement. The aim was to inspire, to show others the art of the possible. This year I want to be a little more practical, I’m going to share some concrete steps that young public servants can take to get their career on the right track.

3. You mentioned you were at the Summit last year, what was your favorite part?

My favorite part had to be connecting with all the people. The energy in the room was off the chart, I made friends there that I still have today.

4. Why do you think it is important for a young govies to attend a conference like NGGS?

Because it is probably the best learning and networking opportunity in the beltway. My biggest beef with NGGS is that there isn’t one in Canada.

5. Who is your favorite public servant? Why?

Tough call. I’ve met so many public servants who inspire me, but to be honest my deepest respect is reserved for those who wear the uniform. I get teary-eyed whenever I hear the Canadian national anthem.

6. Bieber or Bono? iPhone or Droid?

Bono hands down, not that I’m a huge U2 fan, but Bieber? Gimme a break, I’m a classic rock guy. Give me some Tom Petty any day.

With respect to the iPhone or Droid question, I’m still rocking an old Blackberry World Edition, this thing doesn’t even have a camera. I use it primarily for email and SMS and what I love about it is the size of the tactile keyboard. When I’m texting or emailing I want a keyboard that provides real feedback. That way I can walk down the street typing and not have to look at my phone. Saves me from walking into a post or something.

7. Thinking back, what is one thing you would tell your 22 year old self?

Nothing, I’d just look at him and smile. I wouldn’t want to ruin the journey for him, not a for a minute, because man, it’s been one hell of a ride so far.

Be sure to check back for more Next Gen Gov’t Summit speaker interviews!