• 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?

> I selected North Carolina State University because of its reputation, as well as the convenience of taking classes at night. The MPA program at NCSU offers classes that focus on real life experiences faced by public managers, and that has been beneficial.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I was working full-time for the North Carolina Department of Correction while in graduate school. I was promoted twice during my 3 ½ years in the program.

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

> Both Budgeting and Public Policy Analysis have been helpful. Both classes were taught by instructors who understood and could communicate the appropriate theories. Perhaps more importantly, they had practical experience in the public sector that helped students relate theory to their working environments.

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 graduated in May 2001; the same month I was named the first female Deputy Secretary for the North Carolina Department of Correction. In five years, I hope to be in an executive level management position and still be as motivated and challenged as I am in my current job.

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

> The Department of Correction is a fascinating place to work. No two days are the same. I especially enjoy being in a position where I am able to educate lawmakers about the positive things we are doing for North Carolina.

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

> My MPA degree is definitely a plus. Previous budgeting assignments that focused on how the State Budget is developed and managed have been invaluable. I’ve also used skills learned in other classes such as team building and management systems. I think it’s important to be able to step back from the issue at hand and look at things from a broader perspective and the skills I acquired in the MPA program help me to do that.

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

> Speaking from personal experience, I would advise an undergraduate to have an internship or work in a public sector setting before seeking a MPA. During my time in the program, I was able to apply theoretical concepts to my experiences and that helped me immensely.