Why did you choose PUBA?
The faculty. I had several conversations with a member of the PUBA team, while I was considering the program. He was informative and responsive, and guided me through the application process. His professionalism and enthusiasm really sold me that the program was “for me.”
What was your favorite experience so far?
I have enjoyed the opportunities to complete original research during my coursework. I am passionate about citizen engagement. I have been able to write several papers exploring civic engagement in Hawai’i, both examining the way residents engage and how that impacts their lives, and recommending policy solutions to improve engagement in our state.
“The MPA program is a pressure cooker of work and information. It makes you sharper. The throughput is that, hopefully, you come out the other side a better leader.”
What advice would you give to prospective MPA students?
Reach out to the faculty. They are open and helpful. Have a conversation about the program, and see if it fits your needs and aspirations.
How will the MPA help you with your career goals?
For me, receiving an MPA is about the process. The MPA program is a pressure cooker of work and information. It makes you sharper. The throughput is that hopefully, you come out the other side a better leader. We’ll have to see what future employers say about that.