You're a mid-career public administration professional. How can you stay up-to-date on the latest trends?

1 Join professional networks

One of the best ways to learn from your peers and exchange ideas is to join professional networks and associations related to public administration. These can be local, national, or international, depending on your interests and goals. Professional networks can offer you access to newsletters, journals, webinars, podcasts, events, and forums where you can stay informed and engaged with the latest developments and best practices in public administration. You can also expand your network and find opportunities for collaboration, mentoring, or career advancement.

2 Take online courses

Another way to update your skills and knowledge is to take online courses that suit your needs and preferences. Online courses can offer you flexibility, convenience, and affordability, as well as a variety of topics and formats. You can choose from short courses, certificates, diplomas, or even degrees in public administration or related fields, depending on your level of education and career aspirations. Online courses can help you learn new concepts, tools, methods, or frameworks that can enhance your performance and effectiveness as a public administration professional.

3 Read books and blogs

If you are an avid reader, you can also benefit from reading books and blogs that cover public administration topics. Books can provide you with in-depth insights, analysis, and perspectives from experts, practitioners, or scholars in public administration. Blogs can offer you more informal, timely, and personal views on current issues, trends, and challenges in public administration. You can find books and blogs that match your interests, style, and goals, and use them as sources of inspiration, information, or reflection.

4 Attend conferences and workshops

A more interactive and immersive way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public administration is to attend conferences and workshops. Conferences and workshops can give you the opportunity to meet and network with other public administration professionals, listen to keynote speakers, participate in panel discussions, or join breakout sessions. You can also showcase your own work, get feedback, or learn from others' experiences. Conferences and workshops can expose you to new ideas, innovations, and solutions that can improve your practice and impact as a public administration professional.

5 Follow social media and podcasts

A more casual and accessible way to keep up with the latest trends in public administration is to follow social media and podcasts. Social media and podcasts can offer you bite-sized, engaging, and diverse content that can inform, entertain, or educate you on public administration topics. You can follow accounts, hashtags, or groups that relate to your field, niche, or role, and interact with other public administration professionals or enthusiasts. You can also listen to podcasts that feature interviews, stories, or tips from public administration experts, leaders, or influencers.

6 Seek feedback and mentorship

Finally, a more personal and professional way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in public administration is to seek feedback and mentorship. Feedback and mentorship can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify your learning needs and goals, and plan your career development. You can seek feedback and mentorship from your colleagues, supervisors, clients, or partners, or from external mentors, coaches, or consultants. Feedback and mentorship can also provide you with support, guidance, and motivation to keep learning and growing as a public administration professional.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?