My name is Jarrod Gray, and I hold a Master in Psychology from Cleveland State University. I chose to intern with VISTA and the City so I could facilitate building the capacity of Project Homeless Connect: A community based event aimed to end homelessness. After 15 months of internship, I was offered a position and become a permanent employee in September 2008.

What has been the most amazing experience or day you've had at the City thus far?
My most amazing experience was becoming fulltime with the City. My hardwork and dedication to ending homelessness paid off while a VISTA and I was able to secure a Development Specialist. As a DS, I’m able to use my graduate training to create and support outreach teams with their challenging work.

My name is Kiely Nosé. I graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School in San José, CA and then just completed my undergraduate studies in Political Science and Economics at Santa Clara University. During my last year in school, I started a 4 month internship with the City of San José in the City Manager’s Office. Now I’m a permanent Budget Analyst in the City Manager’s Budget Office.

My name is Robert Lopez and San José has been my home since birth.  I am a product of downtown area public schools and obtained both my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Masters Degree in Public Administration from San José State University.

When I entered my Masters Degree program in 2005, I obtained a summer internship with the Housing Department.  That three month internship turned into two years while I completed my Masters Degree program. Now I'm a permanent Policy Development Specialist in the Housing Department.

Wayne works in the Policy and Planning Division of the Housing Department.  Before becoming a permanent employee, Wayne interned for the Housing Department twice, once to work on an analysis of the jobs-housing balance and the other on condominium conversions.  In his pre-government life, Wayne was a teacher and a stockbroker.  His interest in education policy led him to graduate school, an interest that evolved into housing & urban issues.  Wayne received his Masters in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and his Masters in Urban Planning from Harvard University.    

What projects have you work on as an intern?
During my first internship, I analyzed the jobs-housing balance in San José and Santa Clara County.  The project assessed the jobs-housing balance metric as a planning tool, and its usefulness and limitations on how it could be used in San Jose and the region in order to promote sound planning solutions.  For my second internship, I analyzed the impact of condominium conversions on San José’s rental housing stock. 

Does any of your intern work/project reoccur or turn into important city projects that you continue to work on?  
Yes, but in a way that is broader than specific projects.  For example, the jobs-housing balance as a policy issue was important thirty years ago and continues to be so, especially as cities plan for a more sustainable future.  I expect to continue working on this issue in different ways as it relates to how San José plans for its future. 

How did your Internship benefit you in setting a career?  
My internship exposed me to the variety of important and exciting work that is being performed at the local level.  I felt that that working in local government was the best way for me to effect change.  It gave me the opportunity to work with many smart, passionate, and hard-working individuals who are trying to improve the lives of so many, which was really inspirational and which validated that government is absolutely not the problem but rather an integral part of the solution.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
 I believe that San José is one of the most exciting places in which to work, at a time when government has an incredibly important role in shaping the future of cities in a rapidly changing world.  There are great initiatives throughout the City managed by remarkable people, not just in housing but also in transportation, planning, economic development, and environmental services.  It’s really a privilege to work together with dedicated staff throughout departments in order to serve the City’s residents and to continue to make San José a vibrant, modern, equitable, and sustainable place.        

Any word of advice for future interns or students thinking about becoming interns? 
Be curious.  Take the initiative to learn about different projects within and across departments.  This will allow you to see how the various organizations throughout the City collaborate towards common goals, and to recognize just how linked we all are with each other.  Most importantly, have fun!     

My name is Zeba Ebrahimi and I grew up in Fremont, California. I completed my undergraduate work from UC Davis in two and half years with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a double minor in History and Education. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree I got accepted into the MPA program at San José State University. The internship coordinator and faculty from San José State helped me find an internship. Since the City of San José has such a close proximity to the University it was very convenient for me to work and go to school.  My first internship in the Public Sector was with the City Manager’s Office, shortly after I began my second internship with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. I just recently completed my Masters of Public Administration from San José State University and now hold a permanent position as a Grants Analyst.

My name is Nicole Morrison, and I graduated from Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, CA in 2004. After, I ventured on to San José State University as a freshman and shortly thereafter, declared my major as Public Relations.

As Public Relations major I always knew it would be my personal goal to obtain an internship by my junior year. I wanted an internship where I could implement the skills I acquired through my education and class instructors. I was given a great opportunity to work with the Christmas in the Park Board members where I helped the planning and Public Relations efforts for their annual summer fundraiser, Christmas in July. Since Christmas in the Park is a partner of the City of San José, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, I worked closely with the Marketing and Events Team in the planning and operations of this event. At the same time, the Marketing and Events team was seeking a Public Relations intern to work for their office. When offered the internship I gladly accepted and began work on both large holiday events, Christmas in the Park and the San José Holiday Parade.

After completion of my six month internship with the City of San José, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, Marketing and Events Office, I was offered a part-time job working in the same department.

What projects have you work on as an intern?
Christmas in the Park and the San Jose Holiday Parade. For Christmas in the Park I coordinated the Community Tree Program, Vendor Program and Entertainment Program. For the San José Holiday Parade I was the Inflation Celebration Coordinator. The Inflation Celebration is an auxiliary event associated with the San Jose Holiday Parade that took place the eve before the parade and featured floats, entertainment and the live inflation of three of the San Jose Holiday Parade balloons. 

Does any of your intern work/project reoccur or turn into important city projects that you continue to work on?
Yes, as a Special Events Coordinator for the Marketing and Events team, I am still working on event planning with Christmas in the Park and the San José Holiday Parade.

How did your Internship benefit you in setting a career?
 I was able to work with a great team that introduced me to many projects in which gave me hands on experience in working events.  

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
I like working for the City of San José because of the events I am able to work on and the team setting of MEO.

Any word of advice for future interns or students thinking about becoming interns?
The City offers numerous internships varying in all different departments. It is a great opportunity working for the City for many reasons. If you are a San José State student, the City offers a great location with City Hall right across the street from SJSU. Working for the City of San José offers real, hands on professional experience and many times interns working with the City are offered jobs after the completion of their internship.

Anything else you will like to share?
Not only has the MEO team made me feel welcome but the entire PRNS floor is very inviting and appreciative of all the work that each employee contributes.

I was raised in Sacramento, attended UC Berkeley from 1996-2000 and worked in environmental consulting in San Francisco after graduation. I began a Masters degree in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University in 2002.  After completing my degree and two internships in Washington DC, one at Hewlett Packard Company and the US Bureau of the Census, I returned to the Bay Area in 2005 to begin the Management Fellowship with the City of San Jose. Following the one-year program, I left for Peace Corps Guatemala and served there as a Municipal Development volunteer from 2005-2007.  Upon return to the States, I immediately left for Puerto Rico to work for Barack Obama’s campaign for the Democratic nomination.  I recently returned to the City of San José as the Transition Manager at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. 

I received my MSW and Masters in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  I focused largely on sustainable development through the policy degree, and community organizing in social work.  I was eager to work for a local government in a diverse community where sustainable economic development and environmental policy were key issues.  (Returning to the Bay Area was also a plus!)  In the Management Fellowship, beginning in August 2006, I completed rotations in the Department of Transportation, Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, Environmental Services, HR, and Public Art.  I now coordinate the Silicon Valley Energy Watch program in the Environmental Services Department, a program focused on energy efficiency education and outreach throughout the County.  Landing in Environmental Services, in the Office of Sustainability, put me exactly where I wanted to be: I get to work with the community and with industry, be a part of implementing the City’s Green Vision, and work with a variety of other City Departments in promulgating energy efficiency and improved green building strategies. 

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
My graduate work (a Masters in Social Work and a Masters in Public Policy, respectively concentrating in Community Organizing and Sustainable Development) represented a career shift for me, and I needed the right place to start my career thereafter.  Having never worked in municipal government, I knew that the Fellowship was an ideal way to begin, getting both depth and breadth of experience and making valuable connections.  I wanted to be in a large city with diverse needs in terms of economic development and culture.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
Yes – Quite a bit of it did, but because Management Fellow projects are often “high level” or “special projects,” it sometimes takes a while for departments to follow up on the work that was done.  During my rotation in Environmental Services, I wrote the City’s Municipal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals, which were adopted by Council.  In the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, I made some important advances in Project Alliance (an intensive multi-family neighborhood revitalization program), including successfully applying for several Community Development Block Grants.  In the Department of Transportation, I began work on an urban forest analysis, which was later picked up by the City Managers Office and then the Environmental Services Department via the Urban Environmental Accords.   

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
The fellowship was my introduction to the Environmental Services Department and to my current supervisor, so I’d not be in my current position without it.  Just as important, the rotations and projects introduced me to a number of decision makers throughout the City, and familiarized me with policies and programs that I wouldn’t otherwise understand.  This has aided me tremendously in leveraging other programs and making my outreach work go further. 

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
The caliber of employees here is impressive; I work with some of the most dedicated and knowledgeable people I’ve ever met professionally.  San José is a wonderful place to focus on environmental sustainability because of its comprehensive Green Vision and the connection between its environmental goals and economic development.  I get to work with the community and with industry, be a part of implementing the Green Vision, and work with a variety of other City Departments in promulgating energy efficiency and improved green building strategies. 

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
Lobby to get the kinds of projects that excite you and will give you the experience and skills you need, but also be open to that which is new and bizarre.  No skill is too technical.  Ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, have fun. 

Alejandra participated in the Management Fellowship Program in 2004-05.  After completing the Fellowship program she began working with the Housing Department’s Policy & Planning division, where she works on housing legislation, issues relating to Section 8, anti-poverty efforts, senior issues, as well as other special research projects.  Her professional experience prior to joining the City includes serving as the Director of the Community Development Institute’s Empowerment Research! Program, working as a Project Director at Latino Issues Forum and as a Congressional Aide for Congressman Sam Farr.  Alejandra holds a Master’s in Public Affairs and Urban & Regional Planning from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School and a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. 

Born and raised in Watsonville, CA, Alejandra now lives in San José with her husband Raul and son, Mateo.  In her spare time she is involved with the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, and serves on the Board of Directors of SOMOS Mayfair and the Hispanic Association of City Employees (HACE).  She also volunteers at her church.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
After graduating from policy school, I had a keen interest in working for local government.  I conducted several informational interviews with folks in the Silicon Valley and a few of them mentioned San José’s Management Fellowship Program.  It seemed like a great introduction to local government and the idea of doing rotations with different city departments was very appealing.  Although I had heard of other cities that had a Fellows program, I was set on applying to the program in San José because my husband and I wanted to make our home here.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
I highly recommend the Management Fellows program to someone who would like to make career in local government.  For future fellows, I would suggest that they lay out a plan before each rotation, where they set out what they would like to learn about the Department, people they would like to get to know, and projects they would like to work on.  They should re-visit this plan throughout their rotation because time can go by very quickly once you are engrossed in your work.  Also, the Fellows program is an opportunity to wear your “student hat” and absorb as much as possible.  I would encourage fellows to invite Department co-workers out to lunch to learn more about their background, the projects they have worked on and how they get to where they are. 

After working in the areas of housing, land-use, and community development for other Bay Area local governments and nonprofit organizations, the Management Fellow Program provided an valuable continuation of Michael Houston's public-service career. As a fellow, Michael worked on a range of important projects while completing rotations in the City Manager’s Office and in the Fire, Housing, and General Services Departments.

Michael's Management Fellowship was just the beginning of what could be a long career with the City of San Jose. Today he serves as a Program Performance Auditor in the Office of the City Auditor, where he works to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy of City operations.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Sonoma State University and a Masters of Public Policy from U.C. Berkeley.

Alina Kwak was a Management Fellow in 2006-2007.  She is now an Analyst in the Housing Department.  Originally from Bel Air, MD, Alina moved to New York City in 1997 to pursue a B.S. degree in Mass Communications at New York University.  After graduating from college, she spent a few years working in Advertising.  Wanting to pursue a more fulfilling career, Alina pursued a dual masters degree in Social Work and Public Administration and Policy at Columbia University.  While in her third year of her dual masters program, Alina applied to the ICMA Management Fellowship in which her application was forwarded to the City of San José. 

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
Yes, I worked on the City-wide Aquatics MasterPlan with Department of Park, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) and the Envision San Jose General Plan Update with PBCE. The City-wide Aquatics MasterPlan project was an important project for the City and residents alike.  Due to budget constraints, four of the six city pools were closed. PRNS conducted extensive community outreach to receive input from the public on the future of San José city pools.  I was part of helping to plan and assist with these community meetings. While in PBCE, I was fortunate enough also to be involved in the community outreach process of Envision San José 2040 General Plan Update.  The General Plan is the City’s most important planning document that will guide the City’s planning principles for the next 15-20 years.  

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
Working at San José is extremely rewarding because the City aligns with the values most important to me:  social justice, encouraging community participation/activism, and environmentalism.  It is a progressive environment that constantly strives to make San José a better place to live for its residents.  I also feel that this organization cares about its employees, and am impressed with the work and effort that is put towards recognizing and acknowledging staff.  It is a place of collaboration and teamwork.

As a mid career professional I was impressed by the rotational nature of the San José fellowship, the caliber and breadth of City services, and the distinguished history of the program. 

In 2007 I was fortunate to be invited to join the City of San José and my first rotation for the City was with their Department of Finance. Prior to receiving my Masters degree in Public Administration I spent 15 years as a financial market participant in the private sector. The synergies between my private sector skill set and the mission of the Treasury Division were very compelling and I am currently employed by the City as their Investment Officer.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
As a mid career professional I was impressed by the rotational nature of the San José fellowship, the caliber and breadth of City services, and the distinguished history of the program. 

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
I will always be grateful to the City of San José for providing me the opportunity to transition from the private sector to the public sector. Today I am able to utilize my private sector experience to the benefit a community rather than a corporation.

Margarita received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of California, Berkeley, and her Master in Public Administration from New York University. She participated in the City’s Management Fellowship Program in 2007 and rotated through the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Team and the General Services Department.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
The Management Fellowship is an incredible opportunity for young professionals with graduate degrees who are looking for that management level job but in a learning-laboratory setting, mentored by the leaders of the organization.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
Yes! My rotation with the City Manager’s Office assigned me to assist with the initial research from a Council referral which called for an “analysis of all existing boards, commissions and other public bodies and the costs to staff each.” I completed an analysis of 27 existing Boards and Commissions by the end of my rotation and presented the findings to Senior Staff at Issues Working Group. This work was then continued by staff in the City Manager’s Office and Housing Department and its findings will be presented to the City Council in December 2008.

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
It allowed me to experience areas of government that I did not think I was interested in. Prior to the fellowship, I was interested in working for Departments with direct contact to residents, such as Strong Neighborhoods, Library, etc. However, after my rotation with General Services, an internal support Department, I began to gain interest in working for a Department where the customers are other City Departments/Employees.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
The City has a very talented and professional staff. People here are truly mission-driven, meaning they care about the people they serve and see a purpose in their role.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
Serving as a Management Fellow is truly the best job you will ever have! The type of experience, projects, and access to Senior Management is exceptional and one-of-a-kind. The fellowship is the best platform for developing your skills and demonstrating your ability to the highest levels of the organization.

Growing up as an immigrant in South Central Los Angeles., I was surrounded by many examples of have-nots – have not seen that couch or fridge picked up from the sidewalk, have not seen a new retail or grocery store open up, have not seen media efforts to highlight positive community efforts, and have not seen safe quality affordable housing.  Equally vibrant were organic examples of perseverance and solidarity by people who had a vision for cleaner and safer streets, positive activities for youth and families, meaningful opportunities for work and career, and getting involved to make things better.  Upon graduation from Princeton University, I was looking for an opportunity to gets hands-on experience with creative and collaborative local government initiatives to deliver quality services and educational and economic opportunities for residents no matter the neighborhood they call home.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
During my rotations in the Housing Department, I was able to implement an innovative collaborative project that brought together nonprofit and public agencies across jurisdictions and disciplines to deliver direct services to over 1,500 residents of Santa Clara County who found themselves unhoused or at the risk of becoming homeless.  Project Homeless Connect became a flagship project for the City as it attracted goodwill and volunteerism from private residents and corporate members of Silicon Valley.  In addition, as part of my rotation at the Office of Emergency Services, I was able to train over 300 City staff across all levels of responsibility in the specific management system – National Incident Management System – that the City would activate in response to an disaster incident of national magnitude.  The training was part of a compliance step that allowed the City to receive nearly $10 million in federal disaster management funds.

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
The fellowship gave me the opportunity to figure out a niche in the public sector to apply my professional and educational training in responding to local social service needs and catalyzing civic engagement.  The combination of experiences has firmed up my commitment to a career in public service.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
The City of San José has an interesting mix of historical and visionary characteristics – California’s first civilian settlement (November 1777), home to “Sal Si Puedes” where the late Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers, spent his more permanent childhood years, home to the largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and of course the Capital of the cutting edge economy of the future (nanotechnology, renewable energy).

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
I would strongly recommend applying to the management fellowship program in San José.  It will give you the opportunity and challenge to become a leader in creating and implementing innovative and often visionary programs to respond to a myriad social, economic, and environmental needs.  If you have a passion for public service and getting results, the fellowship and the City are great places to put them to work.

Mariah participated in the City’s Management Fellowship Program in 2005 and rotated through the Fire Department, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, San José Redevelopment Agency, and Human Resources Department.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
For me, a transition from nonprofit management to local government administration was a bit daunting, as there are so many different jobs within local government and I wasn’t sure where in the organization I fit.  The fellowship is designed to give exposure to multiple departmental and work unit cultures which allowed me to find the best match for my skills and career interests.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
Many of the projects I supported were sustained past my fellowship.  Key projects that I enjoyed: 

San José Fire Department:  Developed a comprehensive fire fighter paramedic recruitment plan.

Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services:  Designed and implemented a community outreach process for a facility re-use plan; wrote an Aquatics Master Plan request for qualifications (RFQ) to secure a consultant for a city-wide aquatics plan.

San José Redevelopment Agency:  Restructured a partnership agreement between the San José Downtown Association and the San José Redevelopment Agency; lead a photographer selection process for a downtown branding campaign; co-wrote a Downtown San José retail strategy; developed a sidewalk café funding mechanism to encourage more sidewalk cafes in the downtown.

Human Resources Department:  Designed the community outreach process for the City Manager recruitment; set up panels for selection of deputy directors and directors throughout the organization.

Kelly holds a dual Bachelor’s of Art in Interpersonal Communication and  Spanish, with focus in Social Services from Bowling Green State University, OH and a Master of Public Administration with focus in Applied Social Research & Civil Rights from University of Toledo, OH. She participated in the City’s Management Fellowship Program from 2004 to 2005, and was offered a job in the Human Resources Department.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
I was eager to obtain a hands-on learning opportunity in local government from one of the premier municipal service providers in the nation. San José is regularly cited as a best practice City, from the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, to its outstanding financial management and bond ratings, to its civic engagement practices, to its leadership in the emerging green economy. I couldn’t wait to be a part of such an inspired and innovative public service organization.

I was also exceptionally interested in living and serving in a part of the country where diversity is not only celebrated, but where it is an extraordinary part of the fabric and culture of daily life. Working in a large organization that serves such a wonderful variety of residents presents a unique set of opportunities and is an enormous privilege.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
When I was just two weeks into my Fellowship in 2004, the San José Medical Center announced its abrupt and controversial closure. Although Cities are not often in the business of health care, due to the impacts on the downtown community and on public safety management, the City Manager’s Office took an active role in this issue. I had the great opportunity to staff this process and work with City and community leaders to devise a menu of options, both for land use and health care in downtown San José. This early effort evolved into a full-scale Community Planning Process, managed now by the Redevelopment Agency and the City Planning Department, and a win-win resolution seems to be in the works for 2009/10.

When I was closing my Fellowship in 2005, I had the opportunity to work with a forward-thinking HR Director. We both had mutual interests in workforce diversity and inclusive work environments, and from a business perspective, how those elements could make the organization a more competitive and choice employer. As my research project-turned-business proposal for the City’s budget process, this strategic workforce plan was adopted and a brand new position was created. Nearly one year after my diversity project first started, I was selected (in a competitive process) for the diversity position in which I now still work!

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
I think the biggest benefit is the opportunity to see how the entire organization works—and develop a strong connection with a variety of City professionals. The City of San José has nearly 8800 employees in 23 departments, a very large and decentralized operation. By having the opportunity to rotate in several departments, a Fellow learns to appreciate the complexities of decision making at the City, what challenges exist, where improvements can be offered, and more than anything, the dedication of staff who consistently try to do more with less. These insights and networks allow a Fellow to be competitive in a recruitment because they have a global understanding of the City and develop confidence that their skills can be applicable in just about any position.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
My favorite thing about working at the City of San José is that I am regularly inspired by the passion of my City colleagues to creatively meet the needs of the community. In my work, I have the opportunity to work with staff from all departments and at all levels in the organization. This privilege allows me to engage with staff from all backgrounds and areas of expertise, and no matter the project, I get to see a unifying passion for the work they do to make our community better. It is an honor to work with such dedicated, willing people who strive to bring change that improves the lives of others.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
If you are a flexible person, willing to take on real-time professional issues and projects with confidence, and can make nearly everything a learning experience, you are probably a great candidate for the City’s Management Fellowship.

You never know what Fellowship project holds the key to your future: True confessions, one of the last places I wanted to work during my rotations was in HR. Funny how things work out…the last project I did during my HR rotation ended up being my ticket to a permanent job at the City!

For 15 years Kip’s professional work was driven by the proposition that people should be involved in the decisions that affect their lives.  This drive took him from Tallahassee, to Timbuktu , to San José’s neighborhoods.  Along the way Kip tried his hand at milling corn at a camp in the mountains of North Carolina, advising tomato farmers on the edge of the Sahara, training Peace Corps Volunteers in a Kasbah in Morocco, and leading the innovative Strong Neighborhoods Initiative here in San José. In the process he has facilitated countless public meetings, and listened individually to the perspective and concerns of hundreds of community leaders.

Kip has a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and International Affairs and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Florida State University.  In college his signature trick was juggling flaming torches while balancing on a slack rope. 

In his current capacity Kip is responsible for the guiding the reuse of the former San José Medical Center site and is project manager for the downtown mixed-use project which includes The Globe housing and retail, The 88 high-rise housing, retail, and parking, and a future high-rise tower.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
I turned down a job offer overseeing refugee resettlement in Peshawar Pakistan to work as a Management Fellow in San José because the City is serious about involving residents in the decisions that affect their lives, and because it is a great place to start a young family. (That and Peshawar seemed a tad bit unstable).

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
As a Fellow I worked on; the site selection for the now completed Animal Shelter, developing the City’s performance measurement and budgeting approach, and was involved in the early conversations shaping what grew into the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative.

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
It allowed me to combine all of my learning, experience and passion in one place, with great weather, and interesting people.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
Because I get to do what I love, every day, with talented people who care about what they are doing.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
No, I find most people have the best advice already within themselves.

Jim participated in the City’s Management Fellowship Program in 1989 and rotated through Airport, Budget Office, General Services Department, Office of Employee Relations.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
I saw the Management Fellow Program as an opportunity build a long term career in public sector management.  What was appealing about San José was the professionalism of the opportunity, the interactions with senior officials and staff at various levels (small enough to the know the players, big enough to matter), the variety and interesting nature of the City and the work, and the development of core analytical skills and professional relationships.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
When I was in the Budget Office and General Services, I did a lot of work on service levels and performance measures, which later emerged as the core service, performance based budget work.     

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
It enabled me to develop the skills and reputation of being a solid contributor that delivered professional work and results.  I have been with City for 20 consecutive years that started with the fellowship.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
The City is engaged in the most important issues in Silicon Valley from economic development to transportation, and quality of life.  Being able to participate, influence in small ways and produce work that benefits the City in these areas makes it engaging on a daily basis.  The people who work in the City and my Department are great people – they care about their profession and the people they work with everyday. The City is a great employer as well, and its hard to imagine working anywhere else.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
It is a great career choice if you are willing to work hard and be responsible for producing results that matter.

John Dam has 20 years of business experience across a breadth of disciplines including:Risk Management, Organizational Development, Needs Assessment and Planning, and Strategic Planning. John came to the U.S. in October 1975 from Vietnam.  He attended High School in Great Falls, Montana.  John has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of California, Santa Cruz and a Master of Business Administration from University of California, Davis. He participated in the City’s Management Fellowship Program from 1988 to 1989, and was offered a job as permanent employee.

Why did you decide to do the management fellow program at the City of San José?
The opportunity to learn major aspects of local government was too good to pass up.

Did any of your management fellow works turn into important city projects?
The Parkland Dedication Ordinance project I worked on at Parks & Recreation Department continues to generate revenue and/or bring in donated land to provide recreational opportunities for San José residents.

How did management fellow benefit you in setting a career?
I gain an appreciation of how major accomplishments are possible when we work together as a team with no cross-functional purposes and across departmental boundaries.

Why do you like working at the City of San José?
The City is a great employer, treating its employees very well with opportunities for lifelong learning.

Any word of advice for future fellows or people thinking about becoming management fellows?
Continue to learn to improve both your people and professional skills.  Just the golden rule:  Treat people the way you want to be treated.