• 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 completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Miami with a Bachelors degree in International Studies and a second major in Political Science. Choosing the University of Miami for my graduate degree was very easy. I knew the faculty in the Political Science Department, and I was confident it was a good fit for me. I was also particularly interested in the MPA Program at UM because the program is part of the School of Business, and it gave me the opportunity to take courses alongside MBA students. I had the benefit of learning about public and private sector administration all at once, and the insight I gained from this has been invaluable.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I completed 2 internships while enrolled in the MPA program. I interned at Youth Crime Watch as their Fundraising and Communications Intern. I was able to see how a small nonprofit organization works to survive. I also interned at the United States Tennis Association which is a much larger organization. I was the Junior Competition Intern. During the second internship, I was able to see the impact a large nonprofit organization can have, and how their work can make a difference in a young child’s life. 

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

> It is hard for me to pick one class as the most important or most useful. I think that I benefited mostly from the interactive activities such as in-class discussions, group case studies and presentations that I had in every class. These activities helped me look at solutions to problems and obstacles differently.

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 was fortunate enough to be hired at the City of Miami Beach as Aide to Commissioner Richard L. Steinberg. This is my first full-time job in the public sector. The City of Miami Beach, in my estimation, is by far one of the best cities to work for in the state of Florida. This city is very unique in its diverse community, and high civic participation. Needless to say, Miami Beach is fun. As a Commission Aide, I have received a more comprehensive look at the City’s Administration. I have had the opportunity to get a taste of the work and issues that face the different departments. For now, I see myself working my way up the ladder in the City of Miami Beach. I look forward to forming part of one of the City’s Departments.

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

> My daily contact with residents and civic/community leaders is the most interesting part of my job. I can see first hand how my work makes a positive difference to a neighborhood or a particular individual. It is interesting to see the viewpoints on the different sides of issues as well as how much work and effort goes into finding a compromise.

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

> My MPA has given me the tools to look for alternative solutions to problems. I feel that the MPA has armed me with the tools and knowledge I need in order to better serve the residents of this city as well as perform my duties as a Commission Aide in a more capable manner. I feel confident to make suggestions on policy issues as well as to their implementation.

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

> I would say, “do it!” If you are interested in a career in public administration, having your MPA will open many doors. It is important to complete internships in order to see the realities of working in the public sector.