Charlie Corrarino - Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife
The Professional Science Master's program adds another dimension to the skills sets our employees in their early to mid-careers require, to transition from being a researcher or a technician to manager. The PSM provides training in budget management, policy development, human dimensions, economics, and political science, enabling individuals to think and problem-solve in new ways.
My own experience and that of other long term employees making the transition from working in the field to working in an administrative environment was to learn the old fashioned way--on the job. The PSM provides a quicker and more efficient transition and allows employees to experience a &"softer landing". And while taking time off to earn an advanced degree used to be a significant hardship, today's distance learning options allow students to earn advanced degrees while continuing to work as full-time employees and not having to relocate.
This is particularly important because Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife employees often work in remote areas of the state. The PSM allows employees that may never have considered managerial or administrative paths to now have that option.