Things Introverts Should Know About Extroverts

• introverts
• extroverts
• making friends

Introverts sometimes feel misunderstood by their extroverted pals, but the reverse is also true. People can be good friends regardless of personality type, as long as their understand where their friend is coming from. Here are some things introverts should know about extroverts.
An Extrovert's Personality Is Stimulated by Their Environment
Parties are notoriously exhausting for introverts on an intellectual level. Introverts might wonder why their extroverted friends seem to get excited the more people they talk to at a party. The answer is that it's wired in their brains. A study from the Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that "extroverts are more likely to associate the rush of a feel-good brain chemical with the environment they are in at the time" and "prefer immediate gratification and focus more on face." Introverts, on the other hand, "tend to be overwhelmed by too much stimulation and pay more attention to detail."
So instead of getting annoyed by your extroverted pal, who at a party may just wander away from you and talk to several other people, be happy that they are in their element. They get the same happy feeling at a party that you do when you have a great one-on-one conversation or read a book that taps into your heart and mind.
The More the Merrier: That's Why They Invite People Over
Introverts prefer deep topics, and from their perspective, an invitation to dinner means great conversation with their friend over a meaty topic they can chew on for hours. That's why they'll often be surprised and annoyed at the fact that an extrovert will continue to invite more people over.
Some introverts may feel that an extrovert isn't interested in them if this happens. After all, if you're having a good time with one person, why invite a few more over? But extroverts look at it the opposite way. When they get revved up by conversation with one person, they want to add more to the mix.
They Don't Deal With Pauses in Conversation the Same Way You Do
One of the most frustrating things for an introvert is getting talked over. Introverts typically think for a moment before they respond, but your extroverted friend will take that as you being done with your point, so they'll launch right into their own part of the conversation. Introverts are natural listeners. They wait until someone has finished their thought, they look for nonverbal clues to what the person is saying, and they pause before commenting. That's why they get so frustrated when their friends talk over them. It feels like their friends don't care, or are only interested in their own thoughts and ideas.
This doesn't mean that your extroverted friend doesn't care, so don't give up on them. Instead, let your extroverted friend know that you need a minute. A good tip is to say something like, "please hear me on this," or, "I need to fully finish my thought before you interrupt" so they know you really want them to listen.
Schedule Things Where You Can Take a Break and Recharge
You know your strengths and limitations as an introvert, but your friend might not. If you go to a party, on vacation, or even to a dinner that you know will be a little bit tiring for you, work in some time to recharge your batteries.
Let your friend know that you'd like a little quiet time to recharge, so show up late or leave early if you need to. If you go on vacation together, schedule a morning where you have some alone time to gather your thoughts. But talk with your friend so they understand what you're doing. Introverted readers have shared this and given more tips on how to make friends and start up a conversation with someone new.
You'll Both Need to Change the Way You Communicate
The key to a good friendship is having both people give a little so they can benefit from knowing the other person. In other words, if you can both change the way you communicate, you'll both reap the rewards of the friendship.
In the real world, introverts get frustrated with extroverts (and vice versa) not so much because they don't understand the other person, but because they themselves feel misunderstood. Friendship isn't about getting the other person to come to your way of being, but to find a mutually acceptable place where you can coexist somewhat peacefully. Talking with them might not feel as natural as talking with a kindred spirit just like you, but that doesn't mean that a friendship with an extrovert won't be fulfilling in its own way.

Source: http://friendship.about.com/od/Introverts/a/Things-Introverts-Should-Know-About-Extroverts.htm

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5 Signs You Are an Introvert

See More About

• introversion
• extraversion
• personality types

Introversion is a personality trait characterized by a focus on internal feelings rather than on sources of external stimulation. While introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle of the extroversion-introversion continuum.
Do you assume that you know who is an introvert and who isn't? While you might think of an introvert as a shy wallflower who prefers to stay home alone instead of socialize, introverts can actually come in many types with a wide variety characteristics. There are certainly plenty of introverts who are socially reserved and who would prefer to stay home and read a book rather than go to a big party, but there are also plenty of introverts who enjoy socializing. You might even be surprised to learn that many people who you think of as "social butterflies" might actually be quite introverted.
The following are just a few of the signs that you (or someone you know) might be an introvert.
Being Around Lots of People Drains Your Energy
Do you ever feel exhausted after spending time with a lot of people? After a day interacting with others, do you often need to retreat to a quiet place and have an extended amount of time all to yourself? One of the major characteristics of this personality type is that introverts have to expend energy in social situations, unlike extroverts who gain energy from such interactions.
That doesn't meant that all introverts avoid social events altogether. Many introverts actually enjoy spending time around others, with one key caveat – introverts tend to prefer the company of close friends. While an extrovert might go to a party with the goal to meet new people, an introvert goes with the intent of spending quality time talking to good friends.
You Enjoy Solitude
As an introvert, you're idea of a good time is a quiet afternoon to yourself to enjoy your hobbies and interests. A few hours alone with a good book, a peaceful nature walk, or your favorite television program is a great way to help you feel recharged and energized.
This doesn't mean that the average introvert wants to be alone all the time. Many introverts love spending time with friends and interacting with familiar people in social situations. They key thing to remember is that after a long day of social activity, an introvert will probably want to retreat to a quiet place to think, reflect, and recharge.
If having a few hours to be along sounds like your idea of a good time, you just might be an introvert.
You Have a Small Group of Close Friends
One common misconception about introverts is that they don't like people. While introverts do not enjoy a great deal of socializing, they do enjoy having a small group of friends to whom they are particularly close. Instead of having a large social circle of people they know only on a superficial level, introverts prefer to stick to deep, long-lasting relationships marked by a great deal of closeness and intimacy.
If your social circle tends to be small, but very close, there's a pretty good chance you are an introvert.
People Often Describe You as Quiet and May Find It Difficult to Get to Know You
Introverts are often described as quiet, reserved, mellow, and are sometimes mistaken for being shy. While some introverts certainly are shy, people certainly should not mistake an introverts reserve for timidity. In many cases, people with this personality type simply prefer to choose their words carefully and not waste time or energy on needless chit chat.
If you are the quiet type and a little bit reserved, you probably are an introvert.
Too Much Stimulation Leaves You Feeling Distracted and Unfocused
When introverts have to spend time in activities or environments that are very hectic, they can end up feeling unfocused and overwhelmed. Extroverts, on the other hand, tend to thrive in situations where there is a lot of activity and few chances of becoming bored. According to at least one study, researchers have found that introverts tend to be more easily distracted than extroverts, which is part of the reason why introverts tend to prefer quieter, less harried settings.
If you tend to feel overwhelmed in busy social situations, you probably tend to be an introvert.
Final Thoughts
Remember, introversion is not an all-or-nothing characteristic. People can be what you might call introverts with a capital I (aka "very introverted") or they might be outgoing in some situations with some introverted tendencies. Introversion exists on a continuum with extroversion, and most people tend to lie somewhere between the two.
One type isn't "better" than the other. Each tendency can have benefits and drawbacks depending upon the situation. By better understanding your personality, however, you can learn how to play to your strengths.

Source: http://psychology.about.com/od/personalitydevelopment/fl/5-Signs-You-Are-an-Introvert.htm 

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All About Introverts

People don’t outgrow introversion, so the introverted adult was once an introverted child. What is true of one is true of both. Contrary to popular opinion, introverts are not asocial, nor are they friendless loners who lack social skills. They simply have different social needs and preferences.

Friendships

It is not easy for introverts to make new friends because getting to know someone takes so much energy. However, introverts don’t need a wide circle of friends. They prefer one or two close friends, even though they may know many people and have a large number of acquaintances. In spite of this preference, introverts are frequently criticized for not making an effort to make more friends and are often seen to be lacking social skills.

Social Preferences

Introverts need a lot of personal space. They like being in a room alone with the door closed and those who don’t understand introverts believe this desire to be alone is a sign of depression. However, for introverts this behavior is normal; it is not a sign of withdrawing from life. Being around others is tiring for them so they need time alone in order to regain some of their energy. Being alone also gives them a chance to think and figure things out uninterrupted. Introverts don’t enjoy large parties and if they have to attend one, prefer to spend their time with just one or two others, talking about what they all know a lot about. Introverted children may prefer to play on the side with one or two other children.

Preferred Activities

Introverts enjoy activities they can do alone or with just a few others. It’s not surprising, then, that so many introverted gifted children love to read. They also tend to prefer activities that allow for creative expression, like creative writing, music, and art. Introverted children also enjoy quiet and imaginative play. When presented with an opportunity to participate in a group activity or game, introverts prefer to hang back and watch before they join in. Many people see this as shyness, but it’s not. They feel more comfortable with situations that are familiar to them and they are simply trying to become familiar with the activity before they join in.

Social Behavior

Introverts tend to be quiet and subdued. They dislike being the center of attention, even if the attention is positive. It’s not surprising, then, that introverts don’t brag about their achievements or knowledge. In fact, they may know more than they’ll admit. It may be the introverted gifted children who are more at risk for “dumbing down” since they would be more likely to want to hide their abilities.When introverts are tired, in a large group, or if too much is going on, they may show little animation, with little facial expression or body movement. Introverts also have two distinct personalities: a private one and a public one. That can explain why they can be talkative in comfortable settings, like home, and quiet elsewhere.

Social Interaction

While introverts may appear to lack social skills or be antisocial, neither is true. Their style of social interaction is simply different from that of extroverts. They tend to listen more than they talk and are excellent listeners. They are attentive and will make eye contact with the person they are listening to and rarely interrupt. When they do talk, introverts tend to say what they mean and may look away from the person they’re talking to. They dislike small talk and would rather say nothing than something they feel is insignificant. Although introverts are quiet, they will talk incessantly if they’re interested in the topic. They also dislike being interrupted when they talk, or when they’re working on some project.

Verbal Expression

If given a choice, introverts would rather express their ideas in writing than in speech. When they do speak, they need time to think before answering a question. Sometimes they even feel the need to mentally rehearse what they want to say before they say it. The need to think before speaking often results in the introvert being slow to respond to questions or comments. When they talk, they may also pause quite often and even have problems finding the right word.

Emotions and Emotional Responses

Introverts become emotionally drained after spending time with others, particularly strangers. They don’t like crowded places and introverted children can even become grouchy and irritable if they’ve been around too many people for too long. Even when introverts enjoyed a party or activity, they can feel drained afterwards. Parents often sign their introverted children up for numerous activities to help them improve their social skills, but an activity-filled schedule is overwhelming for these children. Introverts are also rather territorial. They dislike sharing space with others for too long and may find house guests intrusive. Introverts also have a hard time sharing their feelings and feel deeply embarrassed by public mistakes.

Other Traits and Preferences

Introverts can concentrate intensely on a book or project for a long time if they find it interesting and like to explore subjects deeply and thoroughly. That may be why introverts don’t like to be bothered when they are reading or working on a project. Introverts are highly aware of their inner world of perceptions, thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and feelings. They are also highly aware of their surroundings, noticing details that others don’t see. However, they are not quick to discuss their thoughts or observations. They may, for example, wait days or weeks to talk about events. Introverts also favor consistency over change, and cope with change best when they know ahead of time what to expect and have enough time to prepare for it.

Source: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/socialemotionalissues/tp/introverts.htm

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Extrovert

Definition: Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the true meaning of extroversion. Basically, an extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people. This is the opposite of an introvert who is energized by being alone.

Extroverts tend to "fade" when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. When given the chance, an extrovert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think. In fact, extroverts tend to think as they speak, unlike introverts who are far more likely to think before they speak. Extroverts often think best when they are talking. Concepts just don't seem real to them unless they can talk about them; reflecting on them isn't enough.

Extroverts enjoy social situations and even seek them out since they enjoy being around people. Their ability to make small talk makes them appear to be more socially adept than introverts (although introverts may have little difficulty talking to people they don't know if they can talk about concepts or issues).

Extrovert behavior seems to be the standard in American society, which means that other behavior is judged against the ways an extrovert would behave. However, extroverted behavior is simply a manifestation of the way an extrovert interacts with the world. Extroverts are interested in and concerned with the external world.

Source: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/extrovert.htm 

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Master of Public Administration Program

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the web page for the Master of Public Administration Program at Montana State University. Our program has a long and rich history, and our graduates have gone on to distinguished careers at all levels of government and in a wide range of public, non-profit and private organizations. We are proud to have built a program that focuses on smaller, live and in-person classes where students have the opportunity for rich interaction with our faculty and each other. We have created a strong community of learning and a culture of collaboration among the students and faculty, with explicit attention to the development of skills necessary for immediate professional success, and the normative awareness for career and professional development well into the future. We're excited about the opportunities here at MSU's MPA program, and we hope you will be too.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any inquiries about the program.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric K. Austin
MPA Coordinator
406 994 5168
eaustin@montana.edu

Program Description

The MPA degree is a professional degree designed to prepare both pre and mid-career professionals and administrators for supervisory, analytical support and policy-making positions in public sector agencies, and non-profit organizations, at local, state and federal levels. The program stresses sound preparation in wide range of administrative competencies. MPA coursework includes studies in public administration theory, human resource management, public budgeting, leadership, ethics, organization dynamics, and research methods for public administrators. Available courses support specialization in local government, non-profit management, administration of Native American affairs, education leadership, planning and other subspecialties. For early career students, practical experience is gained through a supervised internship with an agency of the student's choosing.
Upon graduation, MPA students are expected to have built their capacities in the following areas:

• To lead and manage in public governance;
• To participate in and contribute to the policy process;
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions;
• To articulate and apply a public service perspective;
• To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Admissions Requirements

To be admitted to the MPA program, prospective degree candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA (grade point average) earned during the last two years of their undergraduate education. A score of 150 on the Verbal Reasoning or a combined score of 300 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is expected. Because of the language intensity of the MPA program, the verbal score is the more important of the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Applicants should also submit a Personal Statement. This Personal Statement is an opportunity for applicants to describe personal and professional objectives, research interests, applicable experience or any other information relevant to the admissions review. Lastly, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's ability to be successful as a graduate student.
Upon review of the application materials, the Political Science Department makes a recommendation to the Graduate School regarding admission. The Graduate School then makes the final admissions decision. Applications may be obtained through the Graduate School website at www.montana.edu/wwwdg/. Information and scheduling of the (GRE) may be obtained from MSU's Testing Service at 406-994-6984, or on-line at http://www.montana.edu/ehhd/centers/testing/index.html.
Application Deadlines
Applications for regular, Fall admissions must be received by April 15th. Applications received after April 15th will be considered on a rolling, space available basis until July 15th.
Applicants interested in Graduate Assistantships, or departmentally awarded financial aid must apply by April 15th. A supplemental application for Departmental aid can be obtained from Dr. Austin upon request.
A very limited number of applications for Spring admission will be considered under some circumstances, though applicants should be aware that the curriculum is designed to be started in the Fall. Applications for the Spring semester must be received by November 15th.
Admissions Outcomes
Full Graduate Status
Full graduate status is granted to students who have demonstrated a high quality of performance in prior academic preparation and have otherwise met university and departmental standards on the criteria listed above.
Provisional Admission
Provisional admission may be granted to a student whose application shows reasonable potential for effective graduate work even though the applicant's record may be deficient in some area. A decision to recommend provisional admission to the Division of Graduate Education for an applicant may be based on prior work experience, success in another academic field, completion of supplemental course work, or other criteria pertinent to academic success. A provisionally admitted student will be informed of any special requirements that must be met in order to be granted full graduate status. Upon meeting the specified requirements, recommendations of the Political Science Department, and with approval of the Dean of Graduate Education, a student on provisional status may be advanced to full graduate standing. Full graduate standing is usually considered only after completion of nine or more credits of satisfactory graduate work.
Non-degree Status
Students who desire to take courses of interest but who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree, or those who have not yet been accepted into the program by the Graduate School, may enroll with non-degree graduate status. Graduate credits earned while in non-degree status will not automatically be applied toward graduate degree requirements if the student later applies for and is admitted into the MPA program. Montana State University will allow no more than nine credits of non-degree course work. Furthermore, these credits may only be applied toward the degree if the student would have met all the criteria for admission into full graduate status at the time of entering as a non-degree student. Non-degree students are not admitted to the Graduate School but are under supervision of the Department of General Studies.

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements given below are effective for students admitted to the program in the Fall Semester of 2010 or after. The curriculum is structured so that full time students (those taking 9 credits per semester) should be able to graduate in two academic years. Students taking 6 credits per semester can graduate in three years.
The MPA degree requires completion of 36 credits.
Core Required Courses (24 credits):

• PSCI 551 Research Methods for Public Administrators
• PSCI 552 Public Policy Processes
• PSCI 554 Foundations of Public Administration
• PSCI 555 Human Resources Management
• PSCI 557 Public Budgeting and Finance
• PSCI 558 Organization Dynamics
• PSCI 520 Leadership and Government Administration
• PSCI 560 Ethics and Public Service

Electives (9 credits)
Students will select three elective courses that support both their intellectual interests as well as their professional and career objectives. We encourage students to explore the Political Science course catalog as well as course offerings from other departments to identify potential electives. Elective courses will be selected in cooperation with either the MPA Director or the student's Professional Paper Chairperson. Pre-career students (those entering the program with fewer than two years of progressively responsible professional work experience) will be required to complete a 3 credit, 300 work-hour internship as one of the three elective courses. Elective courses may be taken outside the Political Science Department and may include one 400 level course.
Professional Paper (3 credits)
The Professional Paper course (PSCI 574) is taken during the student's last semester of course work. The purpose of the Professional Paper is to allow MPA students an opportunity to effectively integrate underlying theories, concepts, themes, and patterns found throughout the program's course work into a final original research project. A formal presentation of the Professional Paper will be given to Public Administration and Political Science faculty, student peers, and other interested parties. All MPA students in the program are expected to attend these presentations. Completion of the Professional Papers must occur in the Fall or Spring semester, not during the summer.
Comprehensive Exams
Comprehensive Exams are administered the semester before the student graduates, (e.g. If graduating in the spring, comprehensive exams are taken in the fall. Comprehensive exams are not administered in the summer). The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to verify the student's mastery of the general concepts derived from the course of study, the integration of those concepts across course topics and the ability to apply the material to real-world administrative problems.
Transfer of Credits
Acceptance of up to nine credit hours of academic course work performed at other institutions is possible by the College of Graduate Studies upon recommendation by the Political Science Department. All such credits must have been earned while in graduate status at an accredited college or university.

Source: http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/programs/grad_mpa.htm

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Masters Scholarship in different fields ( DAAD, Germany)

Deadline (July 31, 2014 )

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses 

• Postgraduate courses for professionals from developing countries at German institutions of Higher education
• Duration: 12-24 months, depending on the particular institution
• Internationally recognised Master's degree
• Includes German Universities and “Fachhochschulen” (Universities of Applied Science)
• Support of selected programmes with a variety of full or partial scholarships
• Funded by the BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) but admission is also open to self-financed participants or students financed through government or other sources
• Academic year 2014/2015

weitere Informationen

• Application deadlines
• List of all Postgraduate courses with application deadlines (*.pdf)
• Prerequisites and requirements/ Application form
• Booklet "Development-Related Postgraduate Courses - Educating Professionals for Sustainable Development 2014/15" (*.pdf)
• FAQs
• Postgraduate training

Source: http://scholarshipsformyanmar.blogspot.com.au/

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