• How did you select your graduate school and how did it prepare you for your career?
• Work or internship experience during graduate school
• What was the most important or useful course you took in the MPA/MPP?
• Were you a Presidential Management Intern?
• What has been your career path since graduating? What do you want to be doing in 5 years?
• What is the most exciting and/or interesting aspect of your current job?
• Do you feel your MPA/MPP is helping you to “make a difference?” How?
• What advice, if any, would you give to an undergraduate thinking about going for an MPA/MPP?

How did you select your graduate school and how did it prepare you for your career?

> Since my undergraduate studies were in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, it was a natural transition to continue my graduate work within the same school. I was so pleased with the course studies and the faculty that choosing the MPA was one of the easiest choices for me.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I was a part-time student, full-time employee throughout my college tenure. During graduate school, I worked for the City of Indianapolis’ Mayor Stephen Goldsmith and his staff as a public information officer and executive assistant for public affairs in the Department of Metropolitan Development and Department of Public Safety. 

What was the most important or useful course you took in the MPA/MPP?

> While many of the applied management courses were interesting and helpful, I actually found the series of Professional Development practicums the most useful. They were available for the first time during my MPA, and they are applicable in any career field. In fact, I still reference my Microsoft Excel spreadsheet workbook from the computer practicum.

Were you a Presidential Management Intern?

> No.

What has been your career path since graduating? What do you want to be doing in 5 years?

>I moved to Cape Coral, Florida to take my current position just prior to completing my degree and finished my final three credits doing an independent research project. My graduate degree opened the door for me to gain this position. I now am in charge of the internal/external communications for Florida’s 12th largest city – Cape Coral. We are one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and the numerous challenges on the horizon make this job one of the most ideal communications positions in municipal government. (Not to mention the 335 days of bright sunshine each year and the opportunity to wear shorts every day.) At some point, I would not mind working on an Assistant City Manager level.

What is the most exciting and/or interesting aspect of your current job?

> In Indiana, I worked in strong governor or strong mayor forms of government. In Florida, I work in the city manager form of government. It has been interesting to see the differences and similarities in how the two forms of government operate. 

However, the most exciting part of my job is being a part of a young city just starting to grow into its own, and trying to find its place and identity among the more-established cities in Florida. 

Do you feel your MPA/MPP is helping you to “make a difference?” How?

> My MPA gave me the education and experience that helped define my qualifications to direct the communications efforts of this city. The senior staff at the City of Cape Coral has many graduate degrees among the staff leaders, and as one of those graduate professionals, my advice and input has added value.

What advice, if any, would you give to an undergraduate thinking about going for an MPA/MPP?

> I would encourage undergraduates to give serious consideration to the MPA program. The MPA is one of the most versatile graduate degrees available, both in the scope of courses offered and in the fields of application upon graduation. While an MPA may be “Public” Administration, an MPA can be applied in both the public and private sectors.