Generation Next in the Public Workplace

Getting the Job, Keeping the Job!

April 15, 2008

By Valerie Orleans

As university students prepare to graduate.and embark on their professional careers, they bring their newfound knowledge and creativity to the workforce. They may also bring some practices that don't always sit well with their more established colleagues.

For this reason, Cal State Fullerton's public administration honor society, Pi Alpha Alpha, is hosting an April 25 conference, "Generation Next in the Public Workplace: Getting the Job, Keeping the Job!" that will address some of the differences that new graduates may encounter while transitioning from college life to a career path. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fullerton Arboretum.

Frank Benest, Palo Alto city manager and lead author of the International City/County Management Association publication "Preparing the Next Generation: A Guide for Current and Future Government Managers," will give the keynote address. Stan Smith, a human resource specialist at Deloitte & Touche, will discuss his book, "Decoding Generational Differences: Fact, Fiction . or Should We Just Get Back to Work?" at 9:30 to 10:15 a.m.

"Local governments face a demographic tsunami as a whole generation of baby boomers exits public service," said Benest. "To cope with this retirement wave, local governments must better recruit young people into public service careers and accelerate the development of the next generation of professionals already in the pipeline."

There also will be a roundtable discussion on "Educating, Recruiting & Retaining the Next Generation," featuring Jennifer Phillips, director of the Orange County Animal Shelter; Jake Wager, Stanton city manager; Connie Phillips, Anaheim senior human resource development specialist; and Michele Carr, Huntington Beach director of human resources.

The first 40 CSUF students to register may attend for free. Cost, including lunch, is $15. For more information or to register, contact Shelley Arsneault, associate professor of political science, at 657-278-2456. The deadline to register is April 17.