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Success Guide for Careers in Public Service

Introduction Careers in public service, or civil service careers, are some of the most fulfilling jobs a person can do. When considering one of these jobs, it’s important to know what defines them, which sectors they cover, the common challenges, and how to get started on your career path. In…

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First Steps to Becoming a Fire Chief

Firefighting has always been a staple of respect in American communities. Following the 9/11 attacks, 90% of Americans1 rated firefighter professionals as “high” or “very high” in regard to honesty and integrity. The heroic actions of our first responders that day have contributed to heightened awareness of the profession with…

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What Makes a Good Community Leader?

Community leaders have many different temperaments and styles. Some leaders are more demonstrative while others lead quietly but command respect. Yet there are a few common threads among successful leaders. They must possess empathy, the ability to inspire, strong communication skills and pride in their community. Effective leaders are problem…

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What Can I Do with a Public Administration Degree?

Master in Public Administration (MPA) degrees provide educational foundations for managerial and leadership positions in the public and non-profit sectors. Today, one of the career features most demanded by soon-to-be graduates is the possibility of making a real impact in the world — of influencing people and inspiring positive change.

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Top Networking Groups for MPA Degree Students

Want to stand out of the graduate crowd and also nourish your professional growth?If you’re studying for a Master in Public Administration degree, there are dozens of public administration communities you can join to accelerate landing your dream job. Benefits in joining public administration networking groups include: Connecting with…

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The Top 6 Homeland Security Jobs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formed in the wake of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Still, jobs protecting the nation extend well past any one department or any one level of government. Homeland security careers are rising across federal, state and even local jurisdictions. DHS alone employs…

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Top 10 Career Paths for MPA Graduates

Getting your Master in Public Administration degree doesn’t just allow you to succeed in the professional field, it gives you the opportunity to serve your communities in a variety of ways. From government work to nonprofit industries, careers in public administration demand the same skills that any business demands,…

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The Need for Fire Safety Leaders

More than 1,600 home fire fatalities were reported between January and October of 2023.1 The need for firefighters is expected to grow 4% by 2032, resulting in 12,000 new jobs.2 Though the overall number of fires is on the decline, careers in fire safety as an Engineer, Inspector, Director, or…

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Technology Trends for Emergency Management

Advanced technology has changed many facets of our everyday lives. From smart technology to a network of devices such as Internet of Things,1 we use it in more ways than we often assume. In fact, 65% of American adults use social media2 in some form, which is almost 10x the…

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Should You Pursue an MBA or MPA for a Public Sector Career?

As the job market has improved, many people are searching for ways to advance their careers and find rewarding positions through obtaining either a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA). Both are popular and equally great choices depending on your career aspirations. As of…

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Pursuing a Career in Local Government

If you want to pursue a career in local government, consider getting a master’s degree in public administration (MPA). The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) reported that almost 50 percent1 of all Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduates in 2011 were working for the local,…

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Public Policy Formation, Adoption and Implementation

Public policy formation is the study, creation and implementation of laws, regulations, funding priorities or other actions on a specific public issue by a local, state or federal government. Public policy strategy can also be the rescinding of an existing policy or the deliberate decision not to act1 upon an…

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The Growing Need for Emergency Management Experts

Since 9/11, the demand for emergency management experts has been growing, both in the public and private sectors. As the country has placed a greater emphasis on emergency preparedness and disaster response, the need for highly trained individuals to oversee the development and implementation of emergency response plans at the…

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Public Administration Career Roundup

With government and nonprofit employment growing at an accelerated rate, the demand for talented and educated leaders is higher than ever. And because public sector administration skills are valued by a wide variety of government agencies, nonprofit organizations and even private corporations, a graduate degree in public administration can open…

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Achieving Work-Life Balance as Both Firefighter and Student

If you’re currently employed and considering going back to school to complete a fire science degree online, you’re in good company. In 2020, 74% of part-time students and 40% of full-time students were employed, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.1 Enrolling in a continuing education program allows you…

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Tips For Building an Outstanding Firefighter Resume

Getting an online degree in fire science is a smart investment if you wish to advance your career. But in order to be considered for the job you want, you also need an outstanding resume. In the time it takes a potential employer to look it over — which…

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Start a Career in Emergency Management

The U.S. has sustained 188 weather and climate disasters from 1980-2015, where the total cost has exceeded $1 trillion.1 There is a strong need for skilled emergency management directors who can develop plans and procedures, design training courses, and stay up-to-date with current trends and events that may impact an…

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The Need for Math in Firefighting

Math might not be the first thing you consider when weighing the pros and cons of pursuing a career in firefighting, but it’s a crucial component in fighting fires and in fighting for a stronger fire department. With an online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science degree from Anna…

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Management Skills for a Future Fire Chief

Managing a firehouse takes an incredible amount of skill. While being a fire chief does come with prestige and a higher salary, it also comes with a huge amount of responsibility. In addition to keeping the department running smoothly, a fire chief needs to be able to work well with…

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Success Guide: A Week in the Life of an Online Student

A 7-day Success Guide for Earning your Degree Online Monday & Tuesday Make lunch time, study time! One hour of study time each day is an easy way to take a mental break from work and get your studies going. At night, block two hours to complete the readings and…

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Time Management for an 8 Week Course

As a graduate student it is evident that by being able to further your education this far you have acquired enough time management skills to be successful. I am not going to write about different practices I am sure you have found that have already helped you in your academic…

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The Art of Decision Making for Criminal Justice Professionals

Criminal justice professionals have limited time to make critical decisions, which could mean the difference between life and death. While there is no decision-making process that is foolproof, training, conditioning, and practice among criminal justice leadership can help these professionals react more rationally and strategically in the heat of the…

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How Fire Investigators Determine Fire Causes

Analyzing and ascertaining how fires originate is central to the role of fire investigators.1 What goes into deducing fire causes — and how can you hone the essential skills for success as a fire investigator? Let’s take a look. The Fire Investigation Process Whether at home or in the wild,…

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History of Emergency Management

Origins of U.S. Emergency Management For more than two centuries, U.S. lawmakers have recognized the need for a federal government that helps its citizens in times of disaster. The most significant and earliest instance of such federal involvement occurred in 1803. That was the year when a series of fires…

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Health and Wellness Tips to Help Firefighters Manage Stress

As first responders, firefighters repeatedly face job-related stress. They “experience a steady onslaught of trauma and intense human emotion,” according to The Huffington Post. “Perilous flames, collapsing buildings, the anguish of burn victims, explosions, automobile accidents, suicide attempts, and even terrorist attacks…come with the territory.”1 It is imperative for firefighters…

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Emergency Management and Tourism – An Emerging Link

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is rolling out a major initiative for 2011 to better integrate emergency management and tourism resources in an effort to both enhance the safety of travelers around the world and improve the effectiveness of existing emergency management operations. The organization recognizes the strong…

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Emergency Preparedness Plans Development and Coordination

The creation of emergency preparedness plans is not a singular event. It requires continuous or regular planning, training, revision and education outreach to the public. Disaster response is a highly intricate and coordinated effort among local, state and federal governments, law enforcement or military, hospitals and other community organizations and…

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The Role of Collective Bargaining in the History of the U.S. Labor Movement

American trade unionism took shape in the early 19th century. But by 2015, just 11.1 percent of workers belonged to a union, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1 Some say this makes our country less socially fair and accepting. So what will you do about it? As a…

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How Firefighting Technology is Changing the Industry

For decades, organizations like the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have collaborated with scientists to provide emergency responders with innovative firefighting technology. While using satellites, thermal imaging and drones for fire prevention may sound like science fiction, such tools have become vital to fighting wildfires. The more data firefighters have access…

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Public Administration Careers in The Nonprofit Sector

Commit to Lead Positive Change in the Public Sector To be eligible for a senior management position in the nonprofit sector, you need the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to lead an organization. Getting a master’s in public administration, or MPA degree, can provide you with the tools you…

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The Role of Fire Science in Preventing Fire Disasters

Fire science isn’t just about understanding fire dynamics and investigation methods. It’s also about evaluating fire forensics and past events in order to prevent fire disasters in the future. The science of fire investigation relies on learning from previous mistakes. By studying wildfire patterns over time, for example, scientists can…

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Advance Your Firefighting Career Through Higher Education and Apply Real-Life Skills to Schoolwork

If you are a firefighter looking to progress in your career, you probably already know that advanced training is essential. Not only can it help you improve your job performance, but it also prepares you for examinations required for promotion. While a high school education used to suffice, candidates with…

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Firefighter Health and Wellness

Communities make large, expensive investments in their fire departments apparatus, equipment, and training just to name a few. What is a community’s biggest, most precious investment? Firefighters. Organizations spend a lot of time and money researching and appropriating funds for our fire departments. Depending on the level of management and funding…

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How to Advance Your Career in Fire Service

For a highly competitive career such as fire service, ongoing training and education are the primary ways to get ahead. The career outlook for firefighters and leadership positions is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the industry will grow 5% by 2024.1 With a Master of…

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