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.”
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.
Budget and Management AnalystTown of Hillsborough, NCThe program helped prepare me for my career by orienting me to some of the common problems that North Carolina local governments, and those around the country, are currently wrestling with. In addition, I gained the skills and tools to make myself valuable in my career hunt after graduating. These tools include important communication skills, leadership principles, financial management, and understanding organizational dynamics. The program allowed me to network and build relationships with my cohort, who are part of the next generation of public administration leadership, and faculty at the School of Government, both of whom I still frequently consult with and seek assistance from in my professional career. Lastly, the program staff are a tremendous resource that helped me navigate academics, job searching, student life, and general guidance. I am so grateful to UNC MPA for the career I have. The MPA Program is truly a family, connecting decades worth of alumni, faculty, and staff.
Senior Budget AnalystNC Office of State and Budget ManagementThe MPA program helped me grow in so many ways. The skills I learned in analysis impact my day to day work. The program creates highly-trained and highly-skilled alumni, which has helped me to stand out in my office. Whether it was the Excel bootcamp or Professor Afonso’s budgeting course, everything I learned during my time as a student impacts my work now. Additionally, the network of friends and colleagues the program provides allowed me to make connections at my current job, and the internships I held during my time as a student. Carolina’s MPA prepared me for the workplace in a way that you can’t find anywhere else.
Executive DirectorGovernment Finance Officers Association“As a Carolina MPA, you have a broad support network that wants you to succeed, to find a good job, to experience a meaningful career, and to make a real difference in our communities and in the world. When I look back at critical points in my career, in nearly every instance an MPA connection faculty, staff, or fellow alumni made the difference.”
Budget, Innovation, & Strategic Initiatives ManagerTown of Holly Springs, North Carolina“Public service is a drive to better your surroundings, your community, and the world. It’s one of the most difficult jobs in the world, trying to get people to work together.”
Vice President, Program Manager IIIPNC BankThe UNC MPA program and the lessons I learned have been instrumental in my career journey. The ability to communicate ideas and concepts clearly and concisely has been invaluable. Additionally, collaborating – in all forms – has been one of my greatest tools. The MPA program was the foundation I needed to develop those skills.