Fix Development Plan

UNIV 101-PART 2

DEVELOPMENT PLAN SAMPLE

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

My desired career path is to secure a position in economic development or international economic

policy; therefore, I provided research on the general outlook for economists. The Bureau of Labor

Statistics documented that “53 percent of economists” are employed by the United States federal

government, state government, or an affiliated agency; and the employment outlook will rise at 6%

from 2008 through 2018. “Candidates who hold master’s or Ph.D. degree in economics will have

the best employment prospects and advancement opportunities” where as applicants holding a

bachelor’s degree will have limited access to entry level positions. As the field of economics

requires advanced education, I have conducted extensive research on applicable graduate and PhD

programs. The degrees I am considering include a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master

in Public Policy (MPP), Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MAIEF), or PhD.

Program in Economics. My target schools are the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of

Government, Bandeis University’s Lemberg Program, Duke University, and American University’s

School of Public Affairs.

The BLS referenced that salary ranges for economists varied greatly; the highest 10 percent of

professionals earned more than $149,110 and the lowest 10 percent earn less than $44,050. I also

reviewed the GS salary grades for the federal government. Based on my co-op experience and

bachelor degree, I would expect to fall between a GS-5-7, starting at $26,264 to a maximum of $42,

290. However, after completing a graduate program I may be eligible for up to a GS-11 which

would be up to $62,593 annually.

SMART GOALS

Category SMART Goal Statement Networking Complete three informational interviews, during the fall of 2012, with

mid to high level professionals working in economic development,

public policy, or international economics working for the federal

government or applicable agency within the Washington D.C. area to

identify:

- Viable career paths and entry level positions - Recommendations for advanced degrees and development of

admission strategies, highlighting topics including:

o Differentiators amongst programs (MS, MPA, MPP, MAIEF or PhD)

o Application process o Creation of candidate profiles and interest statements o Recommended universities and colleges

- Insight into the federal government’s job search process: o Navigating USAJOBS o Creation of federal resume

- Overview of salary schedule (GS grades) Industry /

Technical Skills

Gain expertise in SAS and SPSS through participating in on-campus

training sessions facilitated by Drexel’s IRT, during the fall 2012 term.

Further expand on data analysis software skills by participating in a

research project with the Drexel Economics Department faculty during

the winter 2013 term.

Cross-Cultural

Awareness

Expand on international experiences and improve Greek speaking skills

through participating in Drexel’s Hellenic Society. Attend at least two

events during the fall and winter 2012 terms.

Advanced

Education /

Professional

Licensure

Identify ten graduate programs that are in alignment with future career

goals by August 2012, documenting the following information for

comparison purposes:

- School ranking - GRE/GMAT requirements - Full-time vs. part-time program options - Tuition and costs - Graduate assistantships, research opportunities - Application process, deadlines, and acceptance rates - Internship opportunities - Placement statistics and average salaries of graduates

Invest in GRE prep materials, expand vocabulary and complete practice

tests, sit for test in October 2012. Select top five programs, create

statement of interest, request recommendation letters from applicable

faculty members and submit completed applications by November 2012.

Identifying a

Mentor

Identify a mentor with at least ten years of work experience in public

policy, a graduate degree or PhD, international experience, and interest

in sharing advice and suggestion with an undergraduate senior. Utilize

my professional and faculty network to identify individuals and

complete informational interviews to assess the best mentor. Establish

this relationship by February 2012.

References:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. “Economists.” 2010-11 Occupational

Outlook Handbook. Web. 15 Mar. 2012 < http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos055.htm/>.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Salaries & Wages. Salary Table 2012-GS. Web. 15 Mar.

2012<http://www.opm.gov/oca/12tables/indexGS.asp>