Why a Public Service Degree?

What are you excited for about your future as a public servant?

What excites me about my future as a public servant is the possibility of aligning and defending domestic public policies with international public policies, notably regarding the environment and sustainable development.

What do you love about being an MPA/MPP alumni?

I love that I am still able to stay in touch with my alma mater, the professors, my former classmates, and the alumni network. The best part about being an alumnus of the Villanova MPA program is that I am still able to help and assist prospective students who may want to start the MPA program or connect with current students. Another thing that I love about being an MPA alumnus is the vast alumni network and the resources available to me that I can access for professional development. A fun fact is that in my current organization, my boss and I graduated from the same MPA program, and we both had a few of the same professors.

What advice would you give to persons pursuing a career in public service? One piece of advice I would give to any student is to do the personal, introspective work necessary to help you professionally. It is so important to understand who you are and what your personal mission is.

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

My advice to those pursuing a career in public service is to approach it with a mindset of continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability. Public service is both rewarding and challenging, requiring innovative solutions to complex societal issues while balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. Building strong relationships with mentors, peers, and community members can provide valuable guidance and opportunities. Staying focused on creating meaningful impact and aligning efforts with community needs is essential. It’s also important to remain resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment and to continually invest in developing skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Most importantly, always stay connected to your purpose and the reasons you chose public service. This connection will help maintain your motivation and drive, even through challenges.