Candidates for the Master of Science in Leadership (MS-Leadership) degree program gathered on September 12, 2013 for a full day orientation and a master class. The 2013 Master class marked a pivotal shift for the MS-Leadership degree as it was the first time many of the students gathered as a MS-Leadership community. A sense of family, shared experience and camaraderie fill the room with an unprecedented energy.
This distinctive degree is one of the few offered in the United States for leaders in the public sector granted by Olin Business School delivered via Brookings Executive Education (BEE). The accredited MS–Leadership curriculum centers on a series of courses—Executive Pathways—that can be taken in any order over as much time as needed. These courses are held at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.
“The practical application and not just a theory based learning of the Master of Science in Leadership program is the competitive edge I was looking for in a graduate degree.”
The day’s agenda included reviewing degree requirements and expectations, understanding and improving written communications, student presentations on Strategic Thinking: Examples of Impact, and a MS-leadership dinner.
“I get an opportunity to interact with folks from different agencies that I normally would not. I understand the challenges I have traverse across agencies. The only interaction I have at this level of this type is in these courses.”
BEE is providing MS-Leadership students with the services of a writing coach to assist them with style, precision, and clarity in writing. In addition, the writing coach will provide guidance on the development of the Office of Personnel Management competency of written communication. The coach will not grade the paper but will be available for advice while a student is composing it and will provide feedback after submission.
Shannon Baker Moore, M.A., is our BEE Writing Coach. A freelance writer and editor, Moore also teaches writing at the Pierre Laclede Honors College of the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Her writing background includes business and technical writing as well as creative writing and non-fiction.
“You can only run on instinct for so long. This curriculum provides the framework to inform decisions I make at my agency.”
Student presentations covered the afternoon and aroused thoughtful discussion among students and present professors, Jackson Nickerson and Stuart Bunderson. Presentations included the topics critical thinking, strategic thinking, and inspiring creativity. Each presentation demonstrated the major impact the MS-Leadership curriculum is having on the work they do at their Federal agency.
“Asking ‘what problem am I really trying to solve’ allows you to look at the right solution.”
Dinner in the St. Louis room at Brookings provided an intimate conclusion for the day. Why individuals are participating in the MS-Leadership degree, the unique advantages of the program, the return on investment at the personal and agency level, and the diverse experiences were among topics discussed. Students, faculty, and staff pinged ideas off of each other on new ways to grow the program; all wanting to share the incredible experience that is the MS-Leadership.
