Graduate School Channel
Profiles in Public Service
By Christine Omolino, The Maxwell School, Syracuse University
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Analysis
- Management - Leadership
Public Policy Analysis:
Using economic,
statistical and financial analysis to effectively analyze and determine solutions to
policy and management challenges.
Public Management:
The ability to design, implement and effectively manage programs
to remedy policy and management issues
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Many college students aspire to a career where they can make a difference in the lives of
others. They want to effect real change in the world. There are many fields in which they
can have this impact. However, many college students are unaware of the professional field
of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration. Graduates of MPA/MPP programs have been making
a difference in their communities and in the lives of others for generations. However
broadly or narrowly you define community – you, too, can work to improve the daily condition
of people and their communities with a professional degree in Public Policy, Affairs and
Administration.
Why Public Policy, Affairs and Administration?
The question of Why Public Policy, Affairs and Administration looms large. Especially,
given the prominence of other fields where professionals can also have an impact. What makes
the public sector so exciting however is the complexity of the problems we face and the
challenges that emerge in finding effective solutions to these problems. Today, the public
sector is no longer simply defined as government service. Non-profit, private and
multinational/multilateral organizations are increasingly involved in many of the solutions
necessary to improve the world around us. MPA/MPP programs are uniquely qualified to prepare
graduates to work in this complex arena, on the critically important issues that define
today’s public agenda.
Public Policy, Affairs and Administration Mindset
The mindset of a typical Public Policy, Affairs and Administration student is distinctive
and this leads to a unique learning environment. The common thread, wanting to make the
world a better place, is palpable in our classrooms and in our student communities. Our
classroom discussions are energizing because of the passion our students bring to these
policy discussions. They share a profound commitment to public service, and are driven to
make the world a better place, but often do not agree on the path to that end. Students
quickly find themselves pressed to provide sound analytical reasoning to the policy
solutions they support. Learning the ability to engage on the issues in a constructive and
respectful manner is a critical skill which improves student’s future leadership potential
and is a central hallmark of our programs.
Our Alumni
Our alumni work in all levels of government, the non-profit and NGO sector, and related
private sector organizations. They work on domestic as well as international policy. They
come from all backgrounds. Since the public sector touches every aspect of our lives, they
work in a variety of areas.
While just a few alumni profiles could never fully describe all the work our graduates
do, they can demonstrate the impact graduates of MPA/MPP programs can and do have on a daily
basis. These alumni, like all our graduates, desire a career that not only sustains them
professionally, but is personally rewarding for the impact they can have on the lives of
others. You too can make a difference.
Over the past several years our group of top programs in Public Policy, Affairs and
Administration joined efforts to promote this amazing field to college students and
professionals across the country. More recently we have focused our attention to increasing
the numbers of applicants, students and graduates of color from our programs. By forming the
Diversity Alliance of Public Policy Schools we have solidified our commitment to this
effort. An effort we feel deeply and passionately about.
Our country, communities, society and the world around us are facing complex, difficult
problems. The need for talented and trained professionals has never been greater. MPA/MPP
programs offer that training and allow students to grow in intellectually stimulating
environments where their ideas and pre-conceived notions of society may be challenged and
where they may challenge others – for the benefit of all. Having everyone involved in these
discussions is imperative. Professionals of color need to be at the table – and at the head
of the table –especially when we are talking about public policies that will affect us today
and in generations to come.
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 Kim
L Hunt
Masters in Public Policy, Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of
Chicago
Managing Partner/COO, O-H Community Partners, Chicago, IL
Why Public Service?
Public service is in my blood. I come from a long line of do-gooders. For as long
as I can remember, I’ve wanted to use my education and experiences to make at least
my part of the world a better place.
My Work
I find my work extremely rewarding. I created O-H Community Partners (OHcp)
nearly 5 years ago with my business partner to bring top-tier quality consulting
services to grassroots organizations that are pursuing innovative projects to spark
community revitalization and/or want to do their work differently. This is policy
work on the ground.
Why the MPA/MPP instead of another degree?
I already had a master’s degree in urban planning and actually enjoy that work as
well. But planning work is very limited in terms of impact. I wanted a develop a
better understanding of how decisions are made on a broader scale as well as gain
some technical skills that would help me better understand and assess the pros and
cons of public official’s positions and how to essentially how to speak the
language. The MPP has made me a better planner and a more effective consultant.
How I make an impact with my degree and career?
Fortunately, my work is about improving the lives of others almost every day.
We’ve helped organizations secure over $100 million in private sector investments,
public financing, foundation, government and corporate support, and donations from
individuals. Our work has included working with community groups to attract
developers to under-resourced neighborhoods, creating innovative workforce
development programs, developing and implementing public participation programs that
bring community organizations to the table with public officials, and creating a
communications strategy and process for assisting a group with carrying out an
effective campaign for securing a commitment from transportation officials to plan
expansion of a rail line that will link a low income population to jobs in other
parts of the region.
The importance of my MPA/MPPA education
My education provided me with process tools and methodologies that help me assess
a problem and figure out next steps. My education and experiences also allow me to
serve as a communication bridge between the communities that we work in and decision
makers in the public and private sectors.
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Useful Links for Additional Information
For MPA/MPP Application Preparation
Republished (2008) with permission on PolicyNet.com. Christine Omolino,
Associate Director, Department of Public Administration, The Maxwell School, Syracuse
University. Profiles and content presented in collaboration with Maggie Floyd DeCarlo, the
Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago; Alexandra Martinez, Harvard’s Kennedy
School of Government; and Jose Ochoa, The Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University. |
