Office of the Superintendent of Public Instructions
DSHS-Dir. of Management & Operational Support

Abilities and Skills
flexibility, global perspective, diverse analysis skill, maturity, further learning, creative problem solving, enthusiasm
good communication skills, knowledge of state systems
analytial skills, oral communication, ability to be personally neutral, written skills
People skills, research, writing skills, understanding of policy oriented programs
interpersonal skills, team work, negotiating skills, extrapolation of big issues from small ones, realistic
independent decision making, good judgement, research ability, communication skills, professionalism, customer skills
confidence in knowledge and lack of it, problem solving skills, maturity
Communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills, hard skills, research and budgeting
collaboration, strategic planning, as well as tactical planning,
general knowledge and abilities, communication skills, knowledge of the workings of local government
managerial/supervisory skills, creation and maintenance of large budgets, interpersonal skills
critical thinking, policy analysis, project management, group facilitation, teamwork, oral and written communication skils
flexibility, innovation, sensitive communication skills, openness to other cultures
Situation assessment and data analysis, identifyng alternatives, ability to connect the process of problem solving with the needs of people,

Unlisted abilities
legislative liaison skills, organizational structure and development
Confidence, willingness to keep learning and adapting to change
Strong work ethic, personal commitment to public service, dedication, value and principles
professionalism, confidentiality, labor relations, mediation and facilitation skills
ability to adapt to change, mental flexibility
ability to glean pertinent facts and issues from detailed bills, reports or papers
project management, grant writing, group facilitation
learning from other people, understand relationship of your work to others

Skills lacking
teamwork, creative thinking, fiscal management in crisis
civics background, functioning of the government
(too technocratic), interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, independent problem soplving abilities, independent research and judgement, strategizing
decision making, solo operating, listening skills
work ethic in younger people, knowledge of government, generalists,
ability to simplify, contextualization of issues, many people are too anal
conflict managementtime management, organizational skills

Importance of master's degree
screening, relative to position, more imp in teaching,
academic history and work experience both important
sometimes a pre requisite, most of the time a way of eliminating applications
important; demonstrates caapcity to be grilled for advanced degree, determination, broader knowledge
relatively important, in some cases imp because gives broader depth of knowledge of agency functioning and independent research
education is balanced against experience. Advanced degree sometimes compensates for lack of experience
not as critical as BA and proven track record
not an answer to all things, knowledge rather than degree counts

Prefereed degree
MA, MPA, Art History, Curation, museum studies, MBA
depends on position, for state professionals, MPA most important
open, course offerings matter, not just the name of the degree
Health care administration, MPH, MN, MSN, MBA

Preferred class for MPAs
respectful wrk place behavior, dversity, attitude etc
budgeting, computer budget class, theory and practice
state government including the real legislative process
organizational behavior, problem soling strategies
Work Ethic Class, Leadership and Collaboration
interaction with senior policy and executive staff
Humility, respect for colleagues, customer service training

critical writing, summarizing skills are necessary
interviewee TESC MPA graduate of 1991. The program was very helpful
We have really good people from Evergreen's program
shouold learn policy implications and understand the political forces creating those policies
employment law is important for every employee
the psychology of the workplace, issue of measuring success is important in public sector, skills to sort through the wealth of data in important
Should add a medical program like nursing, naturopathy or PA: Send her the final report of the research
How to align organization and what to do to get there is the key. Send the final report to Steve
human resource management should have sub-heading
People with master's degree tend to think they know it all; for skills, those rated 3 and 4 could be learned at work.