Romney Institute Hosts Its First-Ever Local Government Fair

PROVO, Utah – Jan 4, 2010 – BYU's Romney Institute will host its first-ever local government fair Thursday, 7 January, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will attract local government leaders from across Utah.

While internships and job offers are the most likely benefit of this unique career fair, Tanya Harmon, director of MPA career services, says one goal is to cement BYU's long-standing reputation as a source for talented individuals with a strong interest in local government."I think students will also be excited to learn about the variety of careers within a city. They can work in budgeting, management, parks and recreation, human resources, and more. All are rewarding careers," Harmon says.

"We are striving to make this career fair the go-to place in the West to recruit undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to city entities, other local governments and associations will also attend to provide information about career opportunities," says associate professor Rex Facer, who teaches local government for the Romney Institute.

Del Brady, a second-year MPA student, chose local government as his emphasis because he had a desire to support the well-being of communities and to respond to people's needs in a more direct way. Brady says he's excited to network with government leaders.

"This fair will make it easier for local governments to gain access to the Romney Institute's students who are well prepared to be excellent leaders," he adds. "This will be a remarkable opportunity for getting a résumé into the right hands."

Tom Bakaly, city manager of Park City, Utah, will be the keynote speaker at 11 a.m.  Following his address, there will be a question-and-answer session and a networking lunch for graduate students.

"Tom is a very natural choice to kick off the fair since he's president of Utah City Managers Association and also a very successful city manager," Harmon says.

After the speaker, MPA students will have the chance to privately network and visit career fair booths from11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Undergraduate students from all majors are invited to join the career fair from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The fair will take place in W408-W410 TNRB.