John Brennan '96 (MBA)
Grad Degree:
Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Marketing MBA
Outcome Opportunity:
Career Advancement
Position:
Town Councillor
Company/Organization:
Town of Erin, Ontario, Canada
Briefly describe your position/opportunity.
"As a Town Councillor, you are responsible for setting policy and direction for the town. In a way, the council functions in a similar manner to a Board of Directors for a corporation. The constituents elect you and hold you responsible for whatever town actions have an impact upon them, particularly when those impacts are perceived in a negative way."
How did your SJU education impact your position or professional goals?
"Saint Joseph's University helped me in understanding and meeting the needs of my constituents. The skills developed in the classroom play an important part in constituting the make up of a good and successful Councillor. The ability to carefully analyze the various factors involved in an issue, deduce a logical path forward and have the confidence to implement a solution that meets as many of the needs as possible, is an essential skill for success. Understanding financial operations, risk management and the value of teamwork all play a role in making good decisions. Equally important, but often overlooked, is the ability to act as a student. There is no way you can be an expert in the various activities undertaken by staff such as roads management, recreation provisions or fire fighting needs. As a councillor you need to cast yourself in the role of a student, learn from and give heed to the professionals."
What skills are used on a daily basis in this role?
"In order to do a good job as a Councillor there are a number of skills/abilities one must have. First of all, you need to be elected by the voters. That generally requires good speaking skills, the ability to analyze and respond to both problems and opportunities and the ability to quickly think on your feet. However, to be successful over an extended period of time more is required. You need to be consistent in your thinking and decision making, so that voters see you as reliable and having a track record with which they largely agree. You need to be able to keep your head in the face of situations that can often become heated and confrontational. Although a healthy passion for the position and serving the public is a good thing, people want someone who can put a steady hand on the tiller in times of crisis and upheaval. You must also demonstrate that you are a good and integral part of the community."