Hear from employers who recruit MPA students during the Employer Pitch Session, as part of the MPA Career and Networking Fair. Each organization will have the opportunity to share information about their work, organization, and positions they are hiring for now and in the future.
While this event is for current students in the program who will be entering the job market soon, this is a great opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the MPA job market and experience our career service offerings.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from employers representing local governments, state governments, the federal government, non-profits, and private sector employers.
This event is open only to UNC MPA students. Representatives will be here to share about their organization, opportunities they’ll have, and ways to get involved and then you’ll have the opportunity to meet 1:1 with a member of their team to have a networking conversation or have your resume reviewed. As a bonus, they’re also providing lunch!
They are excited to not only share information about working with their organization, but also this is a great opportunity to talk with employers about your resume or any other job/internship search questions.
Meeting invites will be sent to those that register.
This event is an opportunity for enrolled public administration and public policy students around the Triangle to learn about the relevant work and opportunities at multiple North Carolina State Agencies.
Event collaborators are the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources and the career centers at UNC MPA School of Government, Duke Sanford School of Public Policy, Meredith College, NC State School of Public and International Affairs.
This event will take place at the Albemarle Building in Raleigh. Contact your career services professional for more information.
We asked some recent graduates of our online format about their most important memories of the MPA program and how this journey has impacted them.
Jack Peterson currently serves as the Director of the Member Experience for the National Association of Counties. Prior to joining NACo, Jack was a government relations associate for Urban Swirski & Associates and worked in multiple offices on Capitol Hill. Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Davidson College, just north of Charlotte, and completed the UNC MPA online format in December of 2023. Jack currently lives in Chicago, IL.
Tina Bice resides in Winston-Salem and currently works as project manager for the Human Resources Division of Wake Forest University. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and finished the online format of the MPA program at UNC in 2023.
Stephen Thompson is executive assistant to the President and CEO of the North Carolina Symphony. He lives in Raleigh and finished the online format of the MPA program at UNC in 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.
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Q: Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
A: “I’ve become a more thoughtful and strategic, forward-thinking person. The MPA program helped me move outside of my linear thinking patterns and consider the systems that create embedded problems and approaches we can take to change systems at the source to lead to better outcomes.” – Tina Bice, UNC MPA Alumna, Class of 2023
A: “This program really shaped my professional vision. I started this program with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. I didn’t know about many of the arts and culture programing performed by State and local governments in North Carolina and after my first year I switched to a concentration in Local Government with the goal of working for the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. My MPA Alumni mentor opened my eyes to the possibilities of local and state government arts program positions and after completing my PWE at the Cary Arts Center, with the Arts and Culture division of Cary Parks and Recreation Department I knew State/Local Cultural Resources was where I wanted to be. Additionally, the focus on real-world organizations and project presentations in the courses helped to give me confidence in my professional life.” – Stephen Thompson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
A: “Two aspects really stand out: first, the program really helped me build my management skills. Some of this was through the organizational theory and HRM courses, digging into discussions on organization structure and bias. These courses also gave me more tools to understand what colleagues and team members might be bringing to the table and how their work styles might differ from mine. Second, I feel much more connected to many experts in the field of public administration on whom I can rely for recommendations, advice, and guidance. This surprised me (since I work for an organization where I get to interact with public administrators daily), but the breadth and depth of leaders (both on faculty and in the student body) at UNC has really helped expand my knowledge and capacity.” – Jackson Peterson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
Q: What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
A: “My Applied Research Project (this is the final project or thesis substitute of the program) experience was incredibly valuable. I researched work characteristics among hybrid and remote staff members at U.S. colleges and universities that promoted organizational commitment (ultimately, information sharing across distances and clear, equitable performance management). I was able to apply my findings directly to the development of an institution-wide flexible work program at my place of work. We will be tracking the results of our program over the next few years to see its effects on retention and recruitment. UNC gave me the guidance I needed to engage in this research and the language to bring my findings to HR and university leaders.” – Tina Bice, UNC MPA Alumna, Class of 2023
A: “Public Service Leadership was a life changing course. I was skeptical going in, because I had held the fallacy that leadership is a trait, not a skill, however the focus on leadership skills which can help “non leaders” to learn how and “born leaders” to improve really spoke to me. I use concepts from that class weekly. In particular, my book club selection was Leading In Place, which is a professional development book I recommend everyone read, no matter your position in your organization. Mary Hemphill was my professor and her enthusiasm and genuine presence showed me what a leader looks and acts like.” –Stephen Thompson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
A: “The immersion courses – especially for online students – I could not recommend more highly. The topics may not always be exactly what you are interested in, but the chance to connect with your classmates and faculty in-person is very worth the time and financial investment the course requires. Plus, it is fun to be on campus for a couple of days, especially if you’re not based in NC!” – Jackson Peterson, UNC MPA Alum, Class of 2023
The Fall 2024 MPA Immersion course will be led by Professor John Stephens. The topic will be ‘Exploration of Artificial Intelligence and Public Administration’. Immersions are weekend intensive learning opportunities for UNC MPA online and on-campus students which count for credit and require registration. All programming takes place at the School of Government, Knapp-Sanders building. Registration is through Connect Carolina. Contact Elizabeth Langefeld to get registered.
View this short video message about the course from Professor John Stephens.
The UNC Master of Public Administration program aims to help mold the next generation of public service talent—for North Carolina and beyond—that can address the multifaceted issues public officials are expected to contend with in the coming years.
As UNC MPA graduates continue to navigate the changing challenges of public service, three recent UNC MPA graduates share below how their degrees helped them overcome obstacles and discover creative solutions to issues that inundate the public sector.
Scott Powell (’24)
After graduating from the UNC MPA program this spring, Powell returned to work for Wake County—where he serves as a budget and management analyst. In his role, Powell manages department budgets in his portfolio and advises the county to make informed financial choices.
From his time in the program, Powell said he gained the academic and practical knowledge to successfully effect collaborative change for the county.
“I’m more pragmatic now than I was two years ago,” he said. “With the help of experience—much of which is a direct result of UNC’s MPA program—I find myself to be more curious and willing to figure out how to actually get big things done in a community that reflect shared values.”
Now that he has graduated from UNC MPA, Powell aims to continue to leverage the knowledge he learned in the program to improve the outcomes of his public service—both at work and at home.
“I will continue to learn and grow as much as I can with Wake County. I also plan to become more civically engaged in Durham, where I live.”
Giving advice to prospective and incoming students to the program, Powell reiterated the importance of creating far-reaching and diverse relationships—both in the program and out. He sees the opportunity to build strong bonds across the UNC campus as a unique advantage of the program.
“Invest in the friendships and community you make during this chapter of life. Some of those will come from the built-in community of your cohort, which can be an awesome experience, but they may also come from somewhere else on campus,” he said. “Among many other things, it’s what sets this program apart.”
Charles Rocci (’24)
Charles Rocci currently serves as the planning administrator for the Town of Pine Knoll Shores. In his role, he administers town, state, and federal requirements for land use planning and economic development in the town. He additionally works with community stakeholders to develop long-term strategic plans and comprehensive land use plans to drive the decision-making process for future town policies and programs.
As Rocci works to secure a bright future for Pine Knoll Shores, he often finds himself relying on the organizational proficiency he gained from his UNC MPA degree to make both immediate and long-term decisions that are in the best interest of its residents.
“I use my MPA degree to improve processes for the Town to better serve its residents and support its employees,” he said. “In the long term, I would like to use my degree to promote sustainable and equitable development practices in the Coastal North Carolina region, whether that be at the state or local government level.”
In the program, Rocci said he found a renewed appreciation for public service. One specific discussion in class, he said, helped him discover a shared perspective and admiration for public officials among his academic peers.
“I recall the personal mission in vision discussion in the Public Service Leadership course as a very impactful moment for me in the MPA program,” he said. “Along with being able to reflect on my life experience and motivations, which brought me down this path, I was also able to see the unique experiences and motivations of my classmates, which created a similar drive in them. I came out of that discussion with a greater appreciation for those who choose a career in public service and an optimistic perspective for the future of the field.”
Jennifer Taylor-Monteagudo Mora (’24)
Jennifer Taylor-Moneagudo Mora began the UNC MPA program in fall 2020, completing coursework virtually while working full time. As she completed her public administration studies, she found a newfound appreciation for public service and decided to make a significant career change—moving from working in education to local government.
It was a choice that paid off. Taylor-Moneagudo Mora now works as a budget and policy analyst for the City of Richmond, VA. In this position, she works with a team to create the annual fiscal plan for the city. In addition, she analyzes proposed state legislation and determine if and how much said legislation will have a fiscal impact on the city.
After completing the program this past spring, Taylor-Moneagudo Mora plans to continue in her current role, but to use the skills and theory she learned in at UNC MPA to eventually rise in the local government field into a management position.
With real world experience working in local government management under her belt, Taylor-Moneagudo Mora knows the problems governments encounter are not simple to solve—but still feels prepared to address them. She credits her UNC MPA degree with preparing her to tackle complex public sector challenges.
“I have become comfortable with the fact there may not be an easy solution and there is likely someone with deeper knowledge on a topic at hand,” she said. “I have learned to embrace discomfort because it helps me to grow personally and professionally.”
The 2nd annual MPA Career and Networking Fair for current UNC MPA students is coming up on Monday, January 22nd.
Employers are invited to attend to network with and share opportunities with current MPA students.
Students engage with employers through:
Registration is closed.
Hogan Medlin has been a current student in the UNC MPA program since 2021. As he gears up to graduate this December, he took some time to reflect on his career and his decision to pursue the MPA. With a path that includes corporate work, health care, diversity/equity/inclusion work, strategy, innovation, leadership, and change, he has touched so much with his public service values and has no plans to stop. Read more about his path here.
This December the UNC MPA program will be welcoming 17 new graduates into our alumni community.
Read about a few of them below.
Amanda Wesson, UNC MPA Class of 2023
Hometown: Wake Forest, NC
Alma mater: North Carolina Central University
Degree: BA Psychology, MEd Communication Disorders
What’s your current title, and what do you do?
I am a speech-language pathologist of over a decade who most recently assessed preschoolers as part of a transdisciplinary team for a local school system. In this work, I used play therapy techniques to elicit responses for assessments to help determine young children’s needs. I also recently worked as an early childhood policy analyst with a non-profit organization. There, I helped coordinate events for legislators, synthesized information and provided policy considerations on various topics related to child care and early education.
What are your plans after graduation?
I recently signed on with Wake County Budget and Management Services to become a Budget and Management Analyst beginning in January! There, I will work closely with department staff to evaluate funding and program requests, collaborate to develop alternatives, and recommend approaches that align with the County’s overall objectives. I plan to engage in continuous learning activities and also hope to maintain my license and certification as a speech-language pathologist.
Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
Wow, it feels like so long ago, but I began this process as a direct provider and clinician. I knew I had a heart for public service and always strived to produce outcomes for public benefit. My experience led me to look at each case with an individualized lens. With the knowledge and connections I’ve gained from this program, I now have a head for public service—I’ve gained technical skills, theoretical frameworks, and practical experience. More than that, I’ve opened up myself to all the possibilities and ways I can contribute to my community and the communities of those I serve.
What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
I entered this program with a general idea of which direction I thought it would take me. However, I became interested in budget and management while taking PUBA 731 – Public Financial Management, taught by Monica Allen. I assumed it would be merely accounting, but it is much more comprehensive. It encompasses data, strategy, stakeholder and citizen engagement, problem-solving, and writing—many of the things that attracted me to the field of speech-language pathology. In taking this course, I realized how I could make a more significant impact at a macro level to support systems that provide education, public health, and human services.
A brief quote or piece of advice for those considering the UNC MPA or a career in public service?
The UNC MPA program has been instrumental in shaping my journey from a seasoned speech-language pathologist to an emerging public administrator in budget and management services. Embrace the opportunity to broaden your horizons, as the skills and insights gained here will empower you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Shane Rudloff, UNC MPA Class of 2023
Hometown: Denver, CO
Alma mater: Ohio State University
Degree: BS International Relations
What’s your current title, and what do you do?
I am currently a Senior Grant Writer at a nonprofit called Growing Home in Westminster, CO. I build relationships with funders and secure grants for our programs which include a food pantry, a community garden, housing assistance, and early childhood education resources.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I’d like to pursue a career in local government, preferably at the City Manager’s Office where I can interact with all kinds of stakeholders that work with government. I live by learning and enjoy observing the contexts and perspectives of different experts and professionals in the public sector.
Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
Looking back at who I was before I started the program, I’d say I’m much more cognizant of the inner workings of how the government operates. I was originally aware of the surface level details (elections, bills becoming law, politics, etc.), but now I understand there’s more that goes into getting things done (budgets, hiring the right people, working with private contractors, etc.). I have a more holistic view of how the public sector works.
What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
I would say that one class/experience that really stood out to me during my time at UNC was the immersion. I loved the opportunity to get to meet some of my peers in person which is a rarity for an online student. There I was able to meet some incredible professionals and people, and I am still very close friends with some of my classmates.
A brief quote or piece of advice for those considering the UNC MPA or a career in public service?
This is a pathway that provides an opportunity to help shape the way communities, states, and nations operate. It will make you a person people turn to when they are looking for solutions, and you will do little things daily that contribute to improving something. I take pride in that fact, and that is what public service is all about.
Joanthan Hill, UNC MPA Class of 2023
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Alma mater: Duke University
Degree: Public Policy and History
What’s your current title, and what do you do?
My current title is Executive Director of Keep Charlotte Beautiful. I’m a full-time employee of the City of Charlotte, but it’s a little like running a nonprofit within the city government. The program has a City Council-appointed board, its own social media channels, and conducts some fundraising. An AmeriCorps service member (whom I manage) and I run numerous, community-driven initiatives related to litter prevention, waste reduction, and beautification.
What are your plans after graduation?
Throughout the MPA program, I’ve been able to apply lessons learned from class to greatly expand the programming scope and offerings of Keep Charlotte Beautiful. I hope to continue that after graduation. Two of my goals for the coming year are to launch a resident-operated ‘Friends of Keep Charlotte Beautiful’ spin-off nonprofit to enable easier fundraising for the program and to implement an in-depth litter study using our city’s Solid Waste Services department and students from UNC-Charlotte.
Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
When I applied for the program, I had just learned that I had received funding to hire an AmeriCorps service member for the first time, and wanted to hone in my leadership skills. The MPA program has enabled me to do that and more. In some instances, the MPA program enabled me to put a theoretical name to practices I was already implementing. In many others, it enabled me to consider new ideas and new ways of managing. I have become a more strategic-thinking, results-driven, and public-oriented manager because of it.
What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
As I mentioned to my oral exam panel, the idea of inspiring a shared vision from Kouzes and Posner’s The Leadership Challenge has stuck with me. Much of the work I do is collaborative, but a lot of it is driven by me, rather than being driven with the help of others. That message has reoriented my focus towards public engagement. In other words, I have what I think are a lot of great ideas, but they may not be what the public wants or even needs. Deploying a consensus-driven approach to tackling wicked problems provides for a more meaningful solution while broadening my perspective as a public servant.
A brief quote or piece of advice for those considering the UNC MPA or a career in public service?
Always consider how you might apply the lessons learned in class to your day-to-day work. Putting those theories to practice not only helps you learn more about them, it enables you to determine what works best for you.
Julia Murphy, UNC MPA Class of 2023
Hometown: Pittsfield, MA
Alma mater: Providence College
Degree: BA in Political Science, Minor in Public and Community Service Studies
What’s your current title, and what do you do?
I am a Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary at the United States Department of Commerce. I directly support the Deputy Secretary by overseeing his external engagements, supporting the day-to-day operations of the office, and advising on policy matters. As a political appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration, most of our work is centered around advancing and implementing the President’s priorities.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m only three months into my current job so I’m hoping to stay for a while! I was working in the Massachusetts State Legislature when I began the program, so making the leap to the federal government and working in the executive was a goal that I had for a while and I’m grateful I was able to achieve while obtaining my MPA.
Looking back on who you were at the start of the program to who you are now, how have you changed?
My time in the program has reaffirmed that I want to be in public service for as long as I can. Taking classes while getting real-world experience allowed me to develop a public administration lens that I use every day to think about challenges, potential solutions, and how to move the needle forward. My decisions are directly informed by the frameworks and practical applications that I encountered in my courses. My ability to communicate concisely and effectively has significantly improved, and taking a deep dive into my leadership abilities has given me tremendous confidence both personally and professionally.
What is one class, one project, one faculty member, one experience, one discussion, or some other aspect of our program that had an impact on you and proved to be meaningful in your professional life?
This is such a hard question because I have genuinely learned so much from every professor, class, and classmate I’ve had! I think back to Prof. Julie Bregman’s Institutions and Values course that I took in my first semester of the program where we talked about equity as a core and competing value of public administration. When talking about equity versus effectiveness, I remember having a lightbulb moment where I said something along the lines of, “If programs aren’t working for the people they are intended to serve equitably, are they effective at all?” From this point forward, equitable public administration has been top of mind for me and has driven my focus areas in the program and the way that I think about the world, and is something I hope I can continue to foster as a public service leader. Government is a powerful tool to help people, and I would push back on anyone who claims that you can’t have equity and efficiency at the same time. It may not be easy, but it is our job as leaders to find a way forward.
A brief quote or piece of advice for those considering the UNC MPA or a career in public service?
The answer to both is simple — do it! There are a lot of complex challenges that our world faces and we need bold, courageous, thoughtful, and visionary leaders to take those challenges on. The UNC MPA equips you with the tools to tackle those problems, and you learn from the best and brightest faculty and classmates. Public service is an honorable undertaking and allows you to make an impact on other people’s lives in a way that other professions don’t offer. The MPA program was one of the best choices I’ve made and I feel incredibly well-prepared for wherever my path may take me.
Panel discussion participants Christopher Everett, Alex Lassiter, Elizabeth Biser and Pablo Friedmann discuss how Tar Heels contribute to North Carolina during the 230th University Day celebration at Memorial Hall on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Thursday October 12, 2023. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)
UNC Master of Public Administration program alumna Elizabeth Biser participated as a panelist at 2023 University Day on October 12, 2023. This year’s University Day celebrated UNC’s 230-year-history and centered around the theme of “Service to Our State.”
Biser ’17 spoke on a panel with three fellow UNC alumni, discussing “Tar Heel Contributions to North Carolina.” The conversation was facilitated by UNC Study Body President Christopher L. Everett. Pablo Friedmann ’09, director of the Multilingual Resource Center for Durham Public Schools, and Alex Lassiter ’10, founder and CEO of GreenPlaces, spoke alongside Biser.
As secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Biser is charged with oversight of the agency, which protects the state’s environment and natural resources. Its programs seek to safeguard air, water, land, coastal fisheries, and the public’s health; the agency also offers technical assistance and encourages responsible behavior and respect toward the environment.
Biser spoke during the panel about the honor to work with and lead her colleagues in the effort to safeguard North Carolina’s environmental future.
“Getting a chance to lead the state agency whose mission is to provide science-based environmental stewardship for the health and prosperity of all North Carolinians is an honor every day,” she said.
“I work with 1,600 folks across the state whose entire career is dedicated to making sure that we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and that our environment is supporting our way of life.”
Biser credited her educational experience at the School of Government—and particularly the UNC MPA program—as vital in instilling the knowledge and interpersonal skills necessary to lead the agency’s increasingly complex work.
“The lessons that I learned at the School Government definitely helped me every day in thinking about public service leadership, how to motivate a team that is dedicated to public service, that faces so many challenges, especially in an increasingly divisive world.”
Closing out the discussion, Biser spoke to the audience about the importance of lifelong learning, in public service or any other professional field.
“Learning does not stop once you graduate. To prepare for public service—and really to prepare for anything—it’s about not thinking that the last time you walk out that classroom that it’s over,” she said.
“The key to success is making sure you are growing as a person, you are growing your skillset, and you are learning from other fields and sectors around you.”
Biser imparted the audience with advice to succeed in truly making an impact in their work: have a continued desire to be curious, ask questions, learn from them, and grow.
“The people that I have seen be most successful have embodied that lifelong learner mentality and seek out opportunities to improve.”
Biser is a double graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Public Administration. She has a strong background in environmental affairs. In addition to her work at Biser Strategies LLC, she served as vice president of policy and public affairs at The Recycling Partnership, government relations and policy director for Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP, and as director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (the predecessor of DEQ). Biser served on the School’s Foundation Board from 2019 to 2021.
Each year on Oct. 12, Carolina celebrates University Day, which marks the laying of the cornerstone of Old East — the campus’ first building and the oldest state university building in the nation. The day is a celebration of our mission as the country’s first public university and our service to North Carolina, the nation and the world through our teaching, research, and public service.
Watch the full recording of the University Day ceremony.