By Aubrey Hale, President, Ohio State University ICMA Student Chapter
It is no secret that the nation’s most experienced leaders in local government are fast approaching retirement. Succession planning and recruitment efforts have been amplified to ensure local governments will be able to provide the best possible service to citizens in the future. Focus on cultivating the next generation is at the top of the agenda for local governments and their professional associations. ICMA student chapters have gained traction as one way to support the next generation initiative identified by ICMA and leaders in local government.
The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) Board understands the importance of focusing on the next generation, but identified a lack of ICMA student chapters in Ohio. Through a partnership with Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs, planning for the first ICMA student chapter in Ohio came underway in November 2015.
Efforts for the ICMA Student Chapter at Ohio State University began following a local government panel hosted by OCMA indicating strong student interest. The planning committee established at the beginning that the chapter should connect local government professionals with students through events and other activities. Many similar student organizations tend to bring professionals to the students through panels, speakers, and in-house networking events. While such events are key to creating connections and will be part of the chapter, the planning committee identified the need for students to experience what happens in the field.
In March 2016, the chapter rolled out its inaugural shadowing experience to students. Chapter members had the opportunity to be matched with an Ohio city manager and to shadow the manager for a day or set of days. The benefits of shadowing a manager are numerous, but the main purpose is to introduce students to all of the functions of a local government. In the fall, the chapter will add a second component to strengthen student connections with those in the profession by offering the opportunity for students to have a city manager serve as their mentor.
The chapter launched in January 2016, ending the 2015-2016 academic year with an overwhelming 24 members, 10 members completing shadowing opportunities, and 3 members who gained summer internships as a result of chapter membership. A minimum of one event per month is planned for the 2016-2017 year, giving students numerous chances to join the chapter. OCMA’s support has made this possible and will contribute to continued growth as students hear about the opportunities available through chapter membership.
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Aubrey Hale, President, Ohio State University ICMA Student Chapter
