• 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?

> My choice for a graduate school was based on its location and access to government, professional associations, and level of commitment from the professors. My coursework and interaction with my professors and colleagues allowed me to make professional contacts within the local and Federal government. This opened several doors for me when I was ready to transition into a career in public administration. 

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> During graduate school, I interned at the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As an intern in the Academic Relations Office, I represented the office at job fairs, forums, and conferences. The position gave me direct exposure to other interns, the Presidential Management Internship (PMI), senior government officials, and the opportunity to promote Federal careers. Additionally, I co-wrote brochures and other promotional materials for the office and researched Federal laws. 

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

> The most important and useful course that I enrolled in during my Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program was Research Methods. Since completing my Masters, I have held substantial professional research positions. My research methodology course prepared me for fulfilling research positions in managed behavioral health, newspaper, consulting, both the Federal and state government, contracting, and education.

Additionally, the Research Methods course taught me to advance empirical research in sociology and related disciplines. I have also sought to present original methodological contributions and critical discussions of research practice. Furthermore, I have become more proficient in research design, data collection, measurement, and data analysis. 

Were you a Presidential Management Intern?

> I was not a Presidential Management Intern, however, I am currently serving as a Capital City Fellow with the Government of the District of Columbia. The Capital City Fellows program is similar to the PMI program. The Capital City Fellows Program (CCFP) is an initiative of Mayor Anthony Williams to attract recent graduates of master’s degree programs in public administration, public policy, urban planning, and related fields to work for the city of Washington, DC. Candidates compete for two-year fellowship appointments during which they complete four six-month rotations in different city agencies. In addition to on-the-job training in their host agencies, Fellows are given unique opportunities to meet with high-level city officials and participate in educational and professional development seminars. A new class of Fellows starts working for the city each July.

In 2003, the District added a new Capital City Fellows Engineering Track. Applicants must have a master's degree in engineering. The new class of engineering fellows will also begin each July.

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

> Since graduating from the University of the District of Columbia, I have worked as a Corporate Research Analyst for the nation’s premier managed behavioral healthcare organization. In this position, I prepared industry forecasts for senior executives, wrote competitive intelligence reports, monitored legislative activity, wrote proposals, and developed a bidders registry for the organization. In 1999, I consulted with the United States Department of Labor (DOL) as a Lead Research Associate. In this position, I analyzed the H-1B law and its impact on American workers. I also coordinated a grantee conference and wrote briefs and reports for distribution.

In 2000, I began working for the Government of the District of Columbia as a Capital City Fellow. My initial assignment was at the Department of Human Services (DHS) in the Office of the Director. Then I was named Program Manager of Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs. Later, I was detailed to the Department of Human Services’, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Administration (MRDDA). Currently, I am a Contract Administrator in the MRDDA.

Additionally, I am completing my doctoral studies in Public Administration at Howard University. My expected date of graduation is May 2004. 

In five years, I would like to be conducting research on the effectiveness of the District of Columbia’s human services delivery system and assist the District of Columbia in reforming their management systems.

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

> The most interesting aspect of my current position is the access I have to the customers whom the agency serves. My position has enabled me to interact with recipients of our services and to obtain feedback from them about the services. 
Unlike other Fellows in the program, who work in one agency or department throughout their tenure, my Director requested that I work in various positions within the agency over the course of the two years. As a result, I have had the opportunity to see many facets of the city government, including the coordination of six administrations, which are under the auspices of my Director. 
Additionally, as a Fellow, I participate in both required and optional development activities. Development activities cover areas such as budgeting, procurement, and human resources. All of these have provided me with exposure to government initiatives and processes outside of my placement.

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

> My MPA has been very instrumental in my career. It is because of my degree that I have advanced professionally. I have developed strong leadership, analytical, and writing skills as a result of my MPA experience. My MPA experience has helped me to develop an active curiosity and probing mind, and the ability to assimilate numerous details into significant action.

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

> The University of the District of Columbia’s MPA is a practical program. It focuses on the theory of administration combined with the practice of professional administration. Classes include research methodology, information systems, organizational theory, budgeting, and public personnel. The applications and concepts from these classes have a direct impact on the daily operations of state, local, and federal governments.