Thank you U.S. Commerical Service

Dear Director Richardson and the Phoenix Commercial Service, 

Thank you for allowing me to serve and learn along-side you for the past seven months. It has truly been an extraordinary learning experience and phenomenal opportunity. During the course of this internship I have been able to challenge myself to expand my skillset in economic development and gain confidence in my abilities as a professional in the field of public administration.

I have had the opportunity in multiple occasions to exercise considerable discretion in meaningful projects which have allowed me to track my personal impact on the organization. I greatly appreciate your confidence in me and your ability to allow me the discretion to work on projects that I learned and extracted value from. Above all however, I would like to thank you for your honest guidance and mentorship. You have made me feel no less than an equal partner of your staff and have given me an extensive new network of contacts and career opportunities which I deeply appreciate.

I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate and expand on our relationships as professionals, colleagues, and mentors. 

Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Josue Macias

Reflection on Experience and Goal Attainment

This internship first and foremost has been one of the most formative experiences of my post academic career. As I transition into the workforce, my experience at the Department of Commerce has focused my interests and guided the direction of my career in economic development. Through my work I’ve learned to appreciate stakeholders as critical partners in service delivery (i.e. when offering an export assistance it is up to us as much as the business we are serving to ensure the success of our intervention.) I’ve developed an appreciation for multilateral community partnerships and network governance, which play a key role in promoting and expanding U.S. businesses and international trade. Through this internship I’ve also identified the importance of delayed gratification in program implementation, unlike most public works, the benefits of economic development both at the local and international scale is not immediate and is incredibly dependent on external factors and multi-stakeholder collaboration, thus it takes considerable patience and investment to begin seeing positive benefits. 

I stated in my first entry that my first objective was to find a job in the field. Unfortunately, this hasn’t yet panned out as I had hoped, but my eyes and ears continue to be wide open for opportunities. My second goal was to enhance my network in the field. This goal I’ve been able to meet successfully. The relationships I’ve been able to form have been interesting and truly impactful and I look forward to continue building them as I hopefully make my way into the sector. The third objective was to have fun. In my time with the Department of Commerce, I’ve had the opportunity to make a difference in the business I served, make friends with an incredible set of colleagues that share international perspectives of the world. I’ve also been intimately introduced to some of the most powerful policy makers in the state which to a political and policy junky has been an exhilarating experience in itself.

Twitter and the power of information

Do your self a favor, if you don't have a Twitter account sign up for one today. Twitter unlike most social media sites is solely a micro-blogging site whose quality and utility depending on your followers. Here the commodity is information whether that is personal interest blogging or world news. The purpose of this blog however is on using twitter to remain informed on current events from the perspective of public administrators.

As soon as your get a twitter, follow the users below and make sure to read your tweet at least once a day. Doing yourself this favor will increase your awareness of issues and range of perspectives important to conducting context conscious and educated opinions about public policy, advocacy, and public administration.

@AP  @rollcall  @rollcallpols  @politico  @thehill  @thehilltweets   @nationaljournal
@joshledermanAP  @costareports   @RebekahLSanders    @dannowicki   @myhlee
@TheFix    @azcpolitics    @NRCC    @NRSC    @DCCC     @DSCC    @azrover    @washingtonpost @HouseGOP @HouseDemocrats  @politifact   @njhotline   @senatedems  @Senate_GOPs

Counting down the days...commence the dramatics

I’ve lost touch with my ability to write and reflect well. My mind seems to be in a constant state of confusion and curiosity. Both states have made it increasingly difficult to focus on what’s in front of me and remain focused once I get frustrated. I’ve gotten in the habit of resorting to nonsense articles and internet videos to blotch out my confusion instead of relishing it and finding solutions. I feel defeated most days at my lack of creativity. I hope I’m not alone in this sate and perhaps this muddled mind is just a side effect of pursuing an accelerated graduate education on top of working full time, completing an internship, and managing a marriage and rot relationship with my parents.

At this point I feel overwhelmed and dazed. The reliance on coffee, energy drinks, and fast food doesn’t help given my bodies negative reaction to the abuse by form of weight gain, breakouts, unnecessary body aches, and anxiety. I can’t wait for this to be over. 

At times I feel incredibly guilty and selfish over my feelings towards the culmination of this degree. I am very conscious of the opportunities I've been granted. It's difficult however to remain appreciative of something that resembles less a privilege and more a mentally and emotionally draining self perpetuating abuse. My words might be dramatic but the sensation and feeling is sincere. 

Simplicity is truly a most undervalued privilege.