• 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?

> Northern Illinois University was recommended to me by my undergraduate advisor at Augustana College. Following personal research and a campus interview. I decided to apply for the NIU MPA program. The NIU program was excellent preparation for my career, due to the two year internship aspect of the degree. Prior to my becoming a full time employee, I was able to get hands on experience at the local government level.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> A thirty hour per week internship in the Village Manager’s office in Elk Grove Illinois. The internship provided daily interaction with all operating departments as well as residential and budgeting experience. 

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

> Fiscal Administration

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?

> Upon graduating in 1996, I worked as an assistant to the Village Manager in Elk Grove for four years. Since February 1999, I have worked for the Village of Tinley Parker where I was recently named Acting Village Manager. 
 

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

> Urban planning and development. The village of Tinley Park is a 110 year old community that has a unique opportunity to re-establish its downtown area. My experience and success in dealing with downtown residential and business are exciting and rewarding.

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

> Yes. My MPA degree has enabled me to make an impact on the day to day quality of life for Tinley Park residents. I strongly advocate a career in local government because of this ability. 

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

> My advice to students considering an MPA degree would be to look at the amount of responsibility and decision making that goes into running a municipality. Very few people have the opportunity to assume such great responsibility and benefit those around them.