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Career Alumni Services :
"Putting Maxwell to the service of a
better Public Administration."
Jeniffer Potter Hayes is enthusiastic about Maxwell's expanding
internationalism and considers that the school combines both career and
alumni services under one umbrella, as a model that makes lots of sense.
She graduated as an MAPA with elective course work in law and environmental
policy in 1995. She presented a thesis focused on strategic planning for liberal
arts colleges. Before she joined Maxwell to follow such studies, she was an
advocate for the landowners of the Adirondack Mountains in NY. As a result of
that experience she got to learn about public administration 's importance
through the knowledge of government's regulation over private property. As an
alumna , she understands the special qualities of the Maxwell Community and has
fond memories of the Faculty interaction with students since that time. As it
was mentioned before, one of her goals as Director of the CAS is to pay special
attention to the challenges for this service in the international arena. She
also believes in the necessity establishing durable networks between Maxwell and
other public and private institutions.
- Tell us about your personal history in Maxwell, when did you join the
School and what can you tell us about your experience in the Career and
Alumni Services ?
In 1991, I was admitted to Maxwell’s MA PA program. At the time, I was
working full-time as the Registrar at Hamilton College, the mother of two
young children. I took two courses each semester and finally finished my
degree in 1995. I wrote my thesis on the challenges of strategic planning at
small liberal arts colleges. I also took many courses in environmental
policy and conflict resolution as I have had a long interest in property
rights issues.
In 2002, I returned to Maxwell when I was appointed to my current position.
I have enjoyed my work with graduate students, learning about their
professional goals and dreams, and advising them on job search strategies to
realize those goals. Each student has her/his own individual story and each
develops their own plan for “live after Maxwell!” It is wonderful to be a
part of that conversation with so many students.
In addition, my staff and I have developed a terrific program for our alumni
around the US and in several international cities. We have organized
volunteer leadership committees in major cities to plan programs and events
for our alumni in those regions. This keeps the Maxwell networks active and
engaged with the school.
- It is well known that currently ,more than 8000 ( according to the
Website source )Maxwell School’s alumni are working in different State
Agencies in USA. Some of them are in high level positions. Who are they and
in which Agencies are they serving ?
Maxwell boasts many college and university presidents among its alumni.
Included in this group are Sean O’Keefe, President of Louisiana State
University, Donna Shalala, President of the University of Miami and Michael
Crow, President of Arizona State University. Our PhD’s teach in hundreds of
colleges and universities around the world.
More than 30 alumni work at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). More
than 150 alumni have participated in the Presidential Management Fellowship
since its inception in 1977.
Alumni lead professional associations including xxxx, President of the
International City Managers Association.
Alumni serve in the highest levels of government in India, Korea, Peru and
China. We have strong ties with these countries.
Just today, Rami Khouri visited Maxwell. He is a Palestinian-Jordanian and
US citizen, is director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and
International Affairs at the American University of Beirut.
- Which is the relationship between these alumni and Maxwell. Is there
a fluent communication ?
Maxwell alumni are very actively engaged with the school. The talk to
classes, return to give talks in the institutes, and are happy to work with
students.
- Can you explain what is the so called “Maxwell Mafia “ ? How
frequently the Dean and other School authorities have meeting with the so
called “Mafia”?
You know, I really don’t like to use the term Maxwell Mafia. The phrase has
a long tradition here, and is meant in the most favorable of terms as a
large, closely knit group of people who share many interests.
I prefer to use the term Maxwell Alumni Network. If you check the alumni
pages of our website:
http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/cas/alumni you will see the schedule of
events that we have organized for alumni.
There are many events in cities around the country where the dean and
Maxwell faculty talk with alumni. These events also offer an opportunity for
alumni to network among themselves. For example, we have an event scheduled
for November 13 in Washington DC, when about 200 alumni will attend a
program where Professor Catherine Bertini is the keynote speaker.
- Which are the future plans for Maxwell Career and Alumni Services
under your direction ?
Our plans for the future include the expansion of alumni programs in
international cities.
On the career services side of things, we are planning to implement a new
software package that will allow students to store and update their resumes,
and will greatly enhance the management of our campus recruiting program.
- According to your experience, which is the most popular career for
the Institutions interested in hiring Maxwell alumni ?
Maxwell students leave here with very strong analytical and quantitative
skills. They can communicate well both in writing and as public speakers.
Many have conflict resolution skills. These are the skills that many
employers seek regardless of their work sector (public, private, NGO,
Non-profit)
- Since you arrived to Maxwell, which have been the major changes for
the School?
The biggest change was the appointment of Dean Mitchel Wallerstein ! He has
opened many new interdisciplinary programs for students including INSCT, and
several new dual degree programs with the Newhouse School. He is working
hard, as did Dean Palmer, to raise the visibility of the school.
Also, the development (fundraising) efforts of the Maxwell school have been
very successful in the 5 years since I arrived, with the $10million gift
from the US Congress in memory of Senator Moynihan, who began his career
here at Maxwell, and the $5million gift from alumnus Howard Pfansteil and
his wife that will be used for student and faculty support in the Public
Administration department. Other very generous gifts have come in from
members of the advisory board and alumni.
Another big change is the appointment of Professors Catherine Gerard and
Rosemary O’Leary to the leadership positions at PARC. They have some
terrific ideas for expanding the role of PARC, and are planning a reunion of
PARC alumni on campus this spring.
- In a permanent way students receive information from Maxwell about
job opportunities. Which will be your advise to do a good search of jobs ?
The best place to start with a job search is to meet with one of the career
advisors in my office. We can offer individualized strategies for each
student. We can assist with resume and cover letters, and give some
suggestions for building networks for the organizations that interest
students. We also suggest that students browse through the jobs database
periodically. Always be on the watch for visitors to Maxwell who might be
helpful to you in your job search, share copies of your resume with them,
and share with them your interests. You never know when you might find the
perfect connection!
Networking is the way most people get jobs today. The more people you talk
with about your professional interests, the more successful you will be in
finding the job that is right for you.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK !!!!
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