• 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?

> Without my MPA degree, I would have never gained the exposure I needed to be successful in state government.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> n/a

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

> All of the public policy courses, case studies, research projects and texts were valuable. I still reference them to this day!

Were you a Presidential Management Intern?

> I was a PMA, Pennsylvania Management Associate. I did six rotations in PA state government including projects in all natural resource related agencies. All of my experiences were on an executive level thus providing exposure impossible through other means.

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

> I was a PA Park Ranger upon graduation but was quickly promoted to management within six months. In five years, I would like to either be a Parks and Recreation Director in local government or the Director of the PA Bureau of State Parks. 

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

> Working for the vulnerable living things in the state and making darn good money to do so. Got to pay off those student loans! 

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

> I am a tree hugger and I do more than walk around with a long beard and a bunch of stickers on the back of my car. I am in the trenches, clean shaven and in a suit, shaping conservation policy. Without an understanding of the system, gained through my MPA program, I would be a tree hugger that would not be in a position to influence anything for the better.

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

> If you have strong convictions but realize that you need to make a living, the MPA affords you the opportunity to stay true to yourself and your cause in a well-rounded and effective manner.