What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
I had been looking into graduate school options for a while when a friend of a friend recommended the App State MPA program. Since I already had an interest in nonprofit management, I was happy that the courses offered to distance students were applicable to my experience in the nonprofit sector. I already had some experience working with development, but wanted to be able to move up in the future and have a career in development.
Can you tell me about your career path/current position?
I studied sociology at Salem College and took some nonprofit management courses, which sparked my interest in the subject. I later went back and completed a nonprofit management certificate program. At the time that I began the MPA program, I was working full time as an administrative assistant at Summit School. Right before I graduated, a development position opened up at Summit School, and due to my MPA experience, I was able to move into that position. I have worked in that role since 2017, and have found that the skills I learned in the MPA program have been very applicable to my day-to-day work.
In what ways has the App State MPA program helped you?
For me, the most beneficial part of the MPA program was the grant writing course because it gave me the ability to practice grant writing. Since taking the course, I have been able to submit two proposals that Summit School has received funding for, and have set a goal to receive funding for two proposals that I submit each year.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
My advice for incoming MPA students is to be prepared to manage your time, especially when working full time. Being in a cohort of peers working full time is great because everyone is in it together and is supportive. My cohort even created a study group for one course, and that was extremely beneficial. Through supporting others and leaning on others for support, I was able to build teamwork skills. I highly recommend the App State MPA program and am so happy that I was a part of it.