In the wake of recent actions that have disrupted the status of many federal employees, Georgetown has committed to a set of resources intended to address this. By offering expanded educational opportunities for graduating seniors, recent alumni, and current or recently separated federal civil government employees (see this new website with a comprehensive overview of these programs), the university’s mission commitment to supporting “reflective lifelong learners” who are “active participants in civic life” striving to “live generously in service to others” factored prominently in this timely offering of these services and supports.
This initiative is a collaboration amongst many at Georgetown, including the School of Continuing Studies, which is playing a prominent role. Given its legacy and strength in delivering professionally relevant and adaptive education for a changing workforce, SCS is in a good position to support this common good effort. SCS Dean Kelly Otter noted this in the press release, saying: “We remain committed to supporting those who have dedicated their careers to public service. Through this program, we are empowering federal professionals to leverage their unique knowledge, networks, and skills to navigate and thrive in today’s evolving workforce.” This asset-based approach, which builds from the existing capacity and skillfulness of federal employees, is intended to help participants reposition themselves in the marketplace and find new professional opportunities to share their gifts and talents.
The SCS contribution to the overall package of support includes enrollment in select online certificates and tuition discounts on certain Master of Professional Studies programs as well as career guidance from Dr. Lisa Andrews, director of integrated career development. This kind of personal accompaniment of others in a relationship of guidance has direct connection with the Ignatian heritage and Jesuit-inspired practices (for example, see this past post: “Career Counseling in an Ignatian Key”). By offering this kind of personalized support, Georgetown is encouraging this population to take meaningful time during an unexpected transition to reflect and re-affirm their deeper purpose and mission in work life. More than offering technical skills or information, this approach emphasizes the importance of the inner life as a compass or guide for discerning the next steps in one’s career.
Georgetown’s mission comes to life every day in a variety of ways that reflects the diversity of the university’s engagements in the world. This recent response to events, which leverages the core strengths of SCS and other Georgetown schools in meeting the social and economic needs of today’s workforce, is an excellent example of our mission in motion.