What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
While I was working for the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, I had reached the top position that I would be able to with my undergraduate business degree. I wanted to advance in my career, and after seeing some information about the App State MPA program and how well designed it is for in-service workers, I decided to pursue an MPA degree.
Can you tell me about your career path/current position?
Not only did the MPA program enable me to advance in my career, but it also helped me to develop invaluable skills that I use in my job now. These skills include writing papers, conducting research, and performing up-to-date data analysis. I have found myself using the techniques that I learned from my final Capstone project on several projects that I have worked on since my time in school. I believe that this program provides you with a skill set that you won’t necessarily get anywhere else.At the time that I decided to begin the MPA program, I was the business manager for the Department of Social Services in Forsyth County. I had previously been employed in this department as a social services worker, and then as a supervisor. The MPA degree was necessary for me to take the next step in my career. Upon completion of the MPA program, I accepted a position working as the Divisions Director of Economic Services in Guilford County, where I worked for three years. After that, I began working as the Deputy Director for the Department of Social Services in Forsyth County, where I currently am.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
My advice to those interested in earning an MPA degree is to consider the App State program since classes are held in person and you get face-to-face connection with your professors. In addition, you are surrounded by a cohort of hard working civil service employees, and you learn so much from your classmates. There is a huge advantage to having this candid and frequent interaction with your peers who work in different parts of the government. These are things that you will not be able to get with online MPA programs.