• 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?

> The University of Maine offered its MPA program at night. I was working as a school janitor and needed something to convince a local board to give me a chance in town management. I was able to take one course per semester, over an extended period, to complete the program.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I used every possible term paper and course project to explore a problem in Maine local government. After I got my first town manager position, and completed some required courses, UMaine allowed me to count work time towards six hours of the degree work.

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

> I think the course in Intergovernmental Relations established for me the amount of time and attention we in local government must spend coordinating with other agencies.

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?

> Two weeks after graduating, and before the diploma arrived in the mail, I got the offer to work here in Wilton. I moved from managing a town of 1100 population with two full-time employees to this town with 4100 population and twenty-three full-timers. In five years, I hope I’m still helping to deliver needed public services to Maine citizens.

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

> The most satisfying aspect of this position is when you can alleviate a family’s emergency through thoughtful application of the Maine General Assistance Program.

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

> The MPA helps you think from an organizational point of view. You learn elements of how to operate within a system. You can learn elements of leadership, motivation, and team building. If the organization is running well, it’s easier to make improvements.

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

> It’s a good way to make important contacts. The MPA is a good bridge between academic work and a lifelong pursuit of democratic ideals. The MPA can lead to a better job, and to better understanding of ethical, legal, and professional issues. Do it!