• 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?

> As a practicing professional within the field of Public Administration, I wanted to enroll in a program where I could be in the classroom with other students from my geographical area that held the same interest and were currently in or seeking to enter the field. I felt that the diversity of the professions, ideals, and backgrounds of the students would enhance the experience. California State University, Stanislaus offered such a challenging program and instruction from high quality and diversely experienced professors. 

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> All of the knowledge learned and the skills developed through the Public Administration program have been applied in my business dealings and management responsibilities – I attended the MPA program while employed. For example, I often use my acquired knowledge of finance, budgeting, and qualitative analysis to assess proposals or current programs. The program changed my view of my role as a public administrator.

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

> I have found all of the course work to be very useful. What was not taught in a specific course, but learned none the less, were the ethical and moral responsibilities for public administrators. Public administration is about improving the environment in which we live, and if things can not be improved, then making them no worse off. 

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 had management oversight for the development of a new unit/command. Recently, I was transferred to the Director’s position for a local law enforcement academy. Within five years, I would like to be the department head of a law enforcement agency.

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

> I enjoy the challenge of working in a partnership with other law enforcement agencies, the local college and state agencies. It is exciting to move a law enforcement basic training program forward for the benefit of the community, students, the law enforcement profession and the administrations involved with the program. I also enjoy developing law enforcement minded novices into trained public service professionals.

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

> The MPA program challenged my ideals and values, improved my management/leadership skills, and removed the mystic of government processes by providing insights into the functions of local, state and federal governments.

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

> Choose a state university over other program offerings. It is the time spent working with other students in the field that truly supplements the classroom experience and enhances career opportunities.