Why a Public Service Degree?

University of North Carolina Charlotte Alumnus

How has your MPA/MPP degree helped you in your career?

Having my MPA has not only given me the theoretical knowledge necessary to tackle challenging issues in the public sector but also to network with peers in the profession in order to develop relationships that have assisted me in my career.  For example, I learned of my first city manager position via the UNC-Charlotte Google group and continue to help others via internships and mentoring opportunities that are provided through the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Penn State Harrisburg Alumnus

How has your MPA/MPP degree helped you in your career? I was able to chart my own path, focusing a lot of time on research projects for class credit. That experience and the knowledge gained was foundational to the creation of my company. Without the flexibility to pursue my interests, including things like judicial politics and research methods, I would have lacked the know-how to develop the algorithms I used to serve as the foundation of my company’s products, which are now used nationwide by lawyers. Plus, because of the program’s focus on practical experience, I spent 18 months working in Pennsylvania’s government. During that time, I created hundreds of millions of dollars in budget and grant proposals, made preliminary budgets, helped manage state-wide resources, made policy proposals, and presented research findings to cabinet secretaries. Those experiences made me confident to later pitch investors, raise capital, create company budgets, and fulfill lots of my other current responsibilities.

What advice would you give to persons interested in a career in public service?

Be patient and stay professional when working in the public sector; things are improving. Our country [Vietnam] needs talented individuals to help build a stronger future and support the government’s direction.

What advice would you give to persons interested in a career in public service?

There is nothing more rewarding than serving the public, and I cannot imagine doing anything else. Other things may come and go, but our society relies on public servants. Though our work may not always be visible, we are the glue that keeps communities together. Do you want to know if your work has an impact and meaning? Then public service is for you!