Hello Everyone!
This semesters marks the beginning of my second year in the MPA program! I decided to get my masters in public administration because I am interested in pursuing a career in local government. More specifically, I hope to assume the role of the city manager for a community with a population range of 200,000-500,000 people. My degree concentration is in urban management and the associated coursework has provided valuable exposure to various managers and industry professionals. Although I am a Pennsylvania native, I previously earned my Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning from ASU as well, in May 2011. Returning to ASU to earn my master's degree has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but ultimately, I am looking forward to concluding my studies and graduating in May 2014.
My interest in public administration stemmed from my experience in the planning field. After graduation, I began working for a large consulting firm that provides engineering, architecture, planning, design, and environmental services. Through my time with this firm, I was able to better understand private-sector development by working on commercial retail and restaurant projects. After spending a few months working in this field, I realized that I cared more about the welfare of my local community than my company's bottom line, which is why I applied to graduate school to pursue a career in local government. I identify with the objectives of local government and look forward to making a positive difference in any community I serve. Personally, I feel a strong need to fulfill my role as a public servant and to have a meaningful impact on the health, prosperity, and well-being of the citizens I serve. Ultimately, I believe I can accomplished these objectives and more through a longstanding career in city management.
3 Goals for this Internship
Cumulatively, I have 31 months of internship experience, not counting my present placement with the Town of Gilbert. These internships have been with the Housing and Community Development Office of a county agency in Pennsylvania, a natural gas distribution company in Arizona, and with a local government think-tank. Although I have completed several internships prior to beginning this one with the Town of Gilbert, I have different objectives for this position. This will be my first internship working directly in the Manager's office and I plan to use that placement to achieve the following three goals:1.) Develop an in-depth understanding of each Departments (Public Works, Economic Development, Parks & Recreation, Budget, etc.) functions and operations, and spend time assisting in each area.
2.) Become oriented with Town Council proceedings and help produce council agendas, council communications, council meetings, and council presentations.
3.) Help formulate and develop performance management goals for each department. Work with other staff to create appropriate metrics and measurement techniques to gauge the progress of each department.
Ultimately, I believe these goals will be challenging, but attainable. If I am able to accomplish these goals, they should serve to fill existing gaps in my resume and add significantly to my professional development. I am only three weeks into my present internship, but feel very comfortable becoming engaged in the organization. Even though I will only be placed in this internship until May, I am determined to make the most of this opportunity!
