Professional Goal Statement
My name is Anika Jackson. I am a mother of two, a son-age 18, and a daughter age 10. Education has been an integral part of my success and a valuable asset that has helped me throughout my life. As a current employee of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, our vision statement is to “create a more educated Georgia.” This statement is important to me both professionally and personally. I believe in order to make “a more educated Georgia,” education must start with an individual. As an individual, I chose to gain secondary education after eight years of military service. I traveled throughout the world and had the pleasure of experiencing many new ideas and cultures. This experience allowed me to become more open minded and willing to accept change as well as be a catalyst for change. I realized that in order to prepare for these changes, I needed to obtain higher education.
I chose the Master of Public Administration Program as a field of study for several reasons. Although I write technical documentation and give presentations in meetings of my peers often, I would like to strengthen my oral and communication skills. I would also like to gain familiarity with up-to-date information management systems, which are used in a public or not-for-profit organization. In my completion of the MPA program, I hope to develop a broad outlook and an understanding of ethical factors required of program managers and administrators in public or not-for-profit agencies operating in a multicultural context.
My short-term goals consist of three specific items. The first is the successful completion of a professional development course. Second, I plan to finish a project management course within the next three to five months. Last, I plan to complete my MPA graduate degree within the next one to two years. My long- term goals include advancement in my current organization to a leadership position and obtaining an Oracle certification. By obtaining the MPA graduate degree, I will increase my chances of advancement among my peers. I will likely continue my career in the field of education unless another opportunity becomes available that will allow more financial security and stability in the tough economic times that lie ahead. I welcome healthy change and try never to become complacent or stagnant in my career or life.
The completion of this program as with all others goals I have set in my life, will be completed successfully. I have a strong desire for achievement and rarely set goals that I am unable to achieve. My life and the decisions I make are an example for my two children. As a parent, I must set an example of achievement and integrity as well as other values so they know how to become productive citizens in our society.