From day one in the program, the UNC MPA Career Services team helps students create an experience that complements their time in the classroom and helps pave the way for the next steps after graduation.  

“UNC MPA Career Services team is fantastic. They gave me the confidence to know exactly where and when to apply for jobs, as well as how to grow my professional network.”

—Conor Ryan, UNC MPA Alum Class of 2022

Personalized Professional Development Plan

Every UNC MPA student has the opportunity to develop a personalized Professional Development Plan to help identify, and develop strategizes to achieve their professional goals. Students work closely with a career coach to develop and enhance the strategies and actions outlined in the plan

relationshipbuilding strategies

Building relationships is an essential aspect of public service leadership. Throughout their time in the MPA program, students can engage in individual career coaching, networking, and group learning in order to build effective mentor relationships and professional networks.

skillbuilding strategies

UNC MPA offers multiple classroom and co-curricular opportunities, such as the Professional Work Experience and participation in student organizations, that can help support development for public sector career paths.

trainings conferences and applied opportunities

Students can enhance their professional skill set by participating in applied faculty and community projects, attending conferences, and joining public officials in select learning opportunities offered by the School of Government

career workshops

Throughout the year, our community hosts learning opportunities on various topics to support the job search process. These workshops offer tips and best practices on topics such as utilizing social media networks, negotiating a job offer, or finding a Professional Work Experience.

“The Professional Development Plan focuses on your individual career goals. Through the PDP, you’ll bring clarity to what you want to do, identify and build the skills you’ll need, and lay out of a plan to achieve the career goals you’ve established.”

Allison Binkley Associate Director of Career Services and Professional Development

Career News

July 24, 2024

We asked some recent graduates of our online format about their most important memories of the MPA…

June 27, 2024

The UNC Master of Public Administration program aims to help mold the next generation of public…

December 13, 2023

Hogan Medlin has been a current student in the UNC MPA program since 2021.  As he gears up to…