• 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?

> During undergraduate school, I decided to pursue my interest in public service, with an emphasis in generalist and local government management. While investigating respective graduate educational opportunities, I learned about NASPAA accreditation. Not only was the University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Public Administration Program NASPAA accredited, but it also offered a curriculum consistent with my general career interests. In addition, the Carnegie Research One institution status and the campus location just west of downtown Chicago were pluses!

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I served as an analyst/auditor with the City of Chicago Board of Ethics via the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training. In this capacity, my numerous duties included review and audits of Annual Campaign Finance and Disclosure Statements, as compiled and delivered by all elected officials and upper echelon appointed staff members from various departments. I initially landed this opportunity prior to completing my undergraduate studies. Fortunately, this experience was also helpful midway through the MPA program, as my master’s thesis/project was based on duties and accomplishments during my tenure with the City of Chicago.

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

> I personally found all courses useful, in that tools and techniques learned from all classes were applicable and adaptable in real life public service settings. However, analytical courses like Resource and Expenditure Planning, Statistical Analysis for Planning and Management and Public Budgeting offered a great deal in terms of substantive application…

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?

> After graduating from the University of Illinois MPA Program, I joined the City of Peoria, Illinois Office of the City Manager to serve as a management analyst, whereby I assisted various departments with budget analysis/proposal presentation, project management/implementation and other special projects. From the City of Peoria, I was recruited by Deerfield Beach, Florida City Manager Larry Deetjen to serve as an assistant city manager. After serving in this capacity a few years, I was fortunate to be appointed city manager of Sebastian, Florida. I am now beginning my fourth year in this capacity. I hope to be city manager of a larger community in five years, involved in more challenges and a greater scope in terms of municipal service delivery and overall responsibility.

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

> The most exciting and interesting aspect of my job involves implementing various projects and programs that will noticeably offer enhancements to quality of life in Sebastian. In essence, I truly enjoy being able to direct substantive enhancements such as infrastructure improvements, new park facilities construction, grant procurement for special initiatives and other efforts that will yield positive accomplishments in the community.

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

> Absolutely! As previously referenced, numerous tools and techniques offered via quality MPA and MPP program curriculums are applicable to help solve dilemmas in public sector management, as well as for developing and implementing projects and programs that will yield higher quality of life dynamics in respective communities served. Without my public administration training, I do not believe that my career accomplishments to date would have been possible! 

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

> Pursue the degree primarily because a sincere interest in public service exists, as numerous career opportunities in various levels will remain available for well-trained, well-rounded graduates of quality MPA and MPP programs!