Organizational Tailored Qualitative Research (OTQR): A bridge to professional development for organizations and their employees

A Covid Consequence: Reduced or Eliminated Professional Development & Travel It has been over a year since I traveled for work as part of my professional development.  For me, and I suspect many others, much of my professional development, learning, and growth over the years came via work travel. Conferences, meetings, out-of-town colleague or client visits have been some of my most memorable professional highlights.  The travel and in-person interactions associated with these gatherings sparked Continue Reading

Workforce Development and Education Consulting & Project Management

For help, please contact me at: Dr. Julie Murray-Jensen Education & Workforce Consultant – Nebraska                                                                                                                               503.962.9471  – juliemj724@gmail.com

The Indispensable Value of Strategic Organizational Retreats

In a world, most often, that Americans do not pause to reflect, I am an unapologetic fan of the organizational retreat. Retreats can come with many names and many formats – the ½ day “extended meeting”, the 1-day “quarterly off-site”, the 2-3 day “annual retreat”, the all staff “strategic planning day”, the half-year “data summit”, etc., etc. etc.  They can be designed for executives, front-line personnel, all-staff, or any team in between. But regardless of Continue Reading

Waking up to Systemic Racism: What George Floyd and a Painful Leadership Episode Taught Me

When the video of George Floyd’s senseless death went viral, my spouse and I were visiting several Civil Rights memorials as part of a cross-country road trip with our kids. Suddenly, like so many people around the world, we were horrified and trying to make sense of how something like this could happen … again. I care deeply about justice and believe that all people should be treated with dignity and fairness. As an educational Continue Reading

My Passion is the Intersection of Business and Education with the Goal of Social and Economic Mobility for Individuals and Communities across Nebraska

Dr. Julie Murray-Jensen’s hopes and passions to serve Nebraska communities with robust and unified talent and workforce development There is a growing awareness across the state and country that higher education is ripe for innovation.   In the age of accountability, you frequently hear public concerns regarding the growing cost of college, increasing student debt, and slow industry decision-making often inflexible and resistant to change.   You hear the business sector speak of college graduates that are Continue Reading

Why Entrepreneurship Qualities Are the Most Important for Twenty-First Century Jobs?

We all know that education happens both in and out of the classroom and that where Americans spend most of our time – work – is fertile ground for learning.   Post virus, it now seems even more clear that the workplace is going to change, beyond just the incredible acceleration of technology.  These two intersecting factors:he inevitable changes ahead in the workplace (what, where, how we do our work, etc.) and 2) the importance Continue Reading

Donor Giving CAN Contribute to College ROI

Given the documented economic benefit to students, institutions, and communities, donors are well-served to invest in higher education. Where they invest, however, is crucial to student success and institutional viability. Top 5 places today’s donors should invest in higher education for highest institutional ROI (return on investment) 1. Dedicated professional development support fund for Faculty and Staff Higher education is a labor-driven industry and, in the current landscape, is constantly changing. Faculty and staff must Continue Reading

Why Workforce Development Continues to be Important

The research is clear – having skilled, meaningful work makes a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.  Workforce development – or ensuring that prospective and current employees have the meaningful learning and growth opportunities they need to serve organizations and communities well towards the well-being of all – continues to be a vital investment. Towards this end, three factors must be taken into account: the market, the individual, and the connector of Continue Reading

Encouraging College Enrollment at US High Schools

Another Example of Culture Eating Strategy for Breakfast? Interesting new study on the effects of a statewide Promise program.   A year of research spent on examining one state’s public high school data, as related to post-secondary enrollment using a statewide Promise program, yielded some interesting findings. Although this reflects just one study, in one state, regarding statewide Promise program efforts, what does this mean?  It seems apparent that high students attend (and don’t attend) college Continue Reading