Student Michael Huling Publishes Article on Navigating a Career in Local Government Amidst COVID-19

At the start of 2022, the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership was featured in the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) award-winning PM Magazine. Graduate research assistant Michael Huling wrote an informative piece on navigating a career in local government amid a changing workspace still adapting to COVID-19.

“In many ways, beginning and navigating a career in local government is more complex now than ever,” he explains. “Given the multifaceted nature of a career in local government, there is no one-size-fits-all path to securing a position in the industry.”

Members of the Davenport Institute Advisory Council, a key group of leaders with years of experience leading and practicing engagement in their communities, shared crucial insights into how they started their own careers in local government, how to excel in such a career while serving your community, and more. Grover Beach City Manager Matt Bronson highlighted the importance of initiative, recommending that those interested in a local government career dive in with an internship to gain experience. City of Riverside Neighborhood Engagement Division Manager Yvette Sennewald and Roseville Deputy City Manager Megan Scheid offered guidance on how to advance your career in local government once it has begun. 

While the emergence of COVID-19 has brought serious challenges to cities across the world, effective local leadership has been crucial in response. Davenport Institute executive director Maureen Tobin emphasized the importance of flexibility and creativity during a challenging time when public engagement is in high demand, but the ability to hold in-person events is limited.

Read Huling's article, "Navigating a Career in Local Government," in PM Magazine.