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

Earning a Master of Public Administration degree is just the beginning of a meaningful public service career.

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

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.

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.

job process

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

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

December 13, 2023

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

December 06, 2023

This December the UNC MPA program will be welcoming 17 new graduates into our alumni community….

October 30, 2023

UNC Master of Public Administration program alumna Elizabeth Biser participated as a panelist…