• 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?

> Villanova has an excellent reputation for its MPA program. I liked the small school “feel” in a big city atmosphere. There were only six candidates graduating the year I graduated, which truly allowed for individual attention throughout my two years in the program.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I worked as an Administrative Intern for a local municipality. The internship was essential in order for me to apply and understand what I was learning in the classroom. The internship also gave me practical experience that I could use for my resume.

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

> I thought they were all important as they focused on different aspects of what will be needed in the workplace. Learning how to communicate effectively is VERY important therefore I really liked the courses “Public Personnel Management”, “Organizational Psychology”, and Administrative Communications”.

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, I toyed with the idea of teaching and substituted for a few months. I then realized that I should pursue my interest in education but concentrate more on the policies that impact the overall structure of the education system. I was fortunate that a position was available at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. In five years, I see myself still working in education, perhaps with the Department of Education.

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

> The Business Coalition for Educational Excellence under the auspices of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce actually creates most of the policies and programs that impact education statewide in New Jersey. Therefore, I get to be a part of many projects from development to implementation.

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

> Yes, I feel the MPA program taught me many skills needed to manage effectively. My undergraduate studies provided me with a very broad foundation, whereas my graduate studies gave me specific skills that would help me succeed in any workplace environment (public or private sector).

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

> I thought, at the time, going right from undergraduate to graduate school was a smart move. However, I think not having any full-time work experience under my belt prohibited me from fully grasping some of the topics and discussions in the classroom. I think my classmates who had a few years work experience in between undergraduate and graduate school had more of an advantage.