• 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 determined I was at a point in my career where further advancement in public management was dependent upon obtaining an MPA. Not just as a job requirement but as a much-needed tool to develop advanced technical skills and enhance policy development assessment. I was looking for a school that provided an applied practicum. In essence, a school that would give you the tools to do the job. My interest was to develop my career as a practitioner. UCF has a reputation for providing comprehensive “hands on” learning experiences in addition to the theoretical.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> No, I was currently working in the profession. 

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

> While all the courses were valuable to me, the courses centered around measurement and analytical methods were of particular value to me. There is an increasing need for accountability in the public sector. Citizen involvement and awareness of governmental services and activities has increased significantly. ight work.

Were you a Presidential Management Intern?

> No, I never had an opportunity to apply.

What has been your career path since graduating? What do you want to be doing in 5 years?

> I have been in leadership roles since shortly after I obtained my MPA in the positions of Assistant County Manager and City Manager. I hope to be at a city or county in a high growth mode with a community that comprises the vision and unity needed to move forward.

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

> The best part of my job is being part of building community assets from programs to capital projects. I enjoy working with people building consensus that develops partnerships to improve the quality of life and sustainability of the community.

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

> My MPA has and continues to provide a tremendous difference in my career. It has given me the tools and resources needed to increase my effectiveness as an administrator. This profession is more dynamic now than ever before. There is an increase in citizen involvement and accountability in local government. We must continue development of sophisticated measurement and communication tools to address these. I really enjoy what I am doing.

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

> This is a great career if you enjoy working with people, if you are a consensus builder and you embrace change. The compensation in this profession has gotten more competitive but its not about money, it’s about making a difference.