Some Professional Development Thanks to UNC MPA

This past September, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of my MPA program at UNC Chapel Hill. The International City and County Management Association (ICMA) is the world’s leading organization for local government employees, and through my membership in the UNC-Chapel Hill ICMA student chapter, the university sponsored my registration along with about 30 other MPA students.

The 2024 ICMA conference attracted over 4,800 attendees, featured 262 educational sessions, hosted 528 speakers, showcased 211 exhibitors, and was supported by 18 sponsors. As a student attendee, I had the opportunity to connect with numerous local government professionals and strategy teams, gaining a comprehensive understanding of career paths available to me after graduation.

One of the standout sessions for me was “Engagement in the Digital Age: Leveraging Social Listening and Analytics for Enhanced Community Engagement,” presented by Jason Grant, ICMA’s Director of Advocacy, and Trever Johnson, Deputy Director of Prince William County, Virginia Department of Economic Development. This session explored innovative strategies for using digital tools and data analytics to strengthen engagement between local governments and their constituents. The presenters emphasized the importance of social listening, insightful analytics, and strategic engagement to create more informed and involved communities. As someone who works in social media and community outreach, I found this session particularly valuable, equipping me with new tactics and tools to improve community building efforts.

Additionally, UNC’s MPA program hosted a Happy Hour and a NCCCMA Dinner (North Carolina City and County Management Association), fostering a supportive networking environment that allowed students to connect with North Carolina professionals in public service.

Being part of UNC-Chapel Hill’s ICMA student chapter has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing the connections I made and applying the knowledge I gained in my educational and professional career.