Program Director Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project“It’s definitely helping me be better in my current role, whether it’s program-related, policy, or advocacy. But beyond that, this MPA is valuable in that it really has helped prepare me for anything that comes my way in this constantly changing space in the public sector.”
Senior Manager of Leadership Curriculum DevelopmentCenter for Public Leadership and Governance, UNC School of GovernmentOver the years, the core set of competencies taught in the MPA program allowed me to pivot to a variety of professional leadership roles in local government, community college system, nonprofit, and university teaching and administration. When my personal path took me in a different direction, the degree’s flexibility enabled me to find the professional path forward.
Founder & Media Relations/Mental Health Programs Manager A Beautiful Mind Foundation & Hyattsville (MD) Police Department“If you truly want to be a public servant and make a positive change, an MPA will give you the know-how to lead not just effectively, but ethically and equitably too.”
Financial AdvisorWaddell & Reed, Inc.“People everywhere want to feel safe in their homes, want to provide for their families, and they want to belong—to be accepted by others they respect. I have not seen an exception to this rule anywhere in the world.”
Chief Operating OfficerPartners in PROMISE“Military spouses are extremely capable, but our lifestyle makes it difficult to seize career opportunities,” she said. “We have a unique ability to pivot quickly based on our circumstances, and this skillset is transferable to professional life.”
Community Education CoordinatorTown of Chapel Hill – Stormwater DivisionAmong other things, the UNC MPA program teaches you how to ask the right questions. This skill helped bridge my past experience as a social studies teacher with my current role as a professional science communicator. Generalist in nature, the multidisciplinary approach of the program will set you up for success in whatever field you land in next.
Critical-Crisis Communications SpecialistAppalachian State University (Appalachian) Communications Team
Project ManagerWake Forest University Human Resources“The MPA program teaches you about inter-sector relationships, systems, and encourages you to “ask the second question” to reach real solutions.”
Assistant State Budget Officer, Budget ExecutionNC Office of State Budget and Management“Having a broader degree in government and being open about career opportunities helped me get where I am now.”
Mentoring Program ManagerU.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)The MPA program provided me with access to real-life practictioners across government. I became interested in a career at GAO after attending a UNC-sponsored information session featuring the head of the agency. Since participating in my GAO internship, I have been at GAO for over 16 years and have served in variety of roles.
Director of Public Housing, Chapel HillTown of Chapel Hill, North CarolinaMy MPA has afforded me the opportunity to present myself as the person most organizations are in need of. I acquired analytical skills as well as excellent communication skills.