The End?

So... I may have fallen a bit behind on this blog over the last half of the semester. It's pretty easy to get caught up in projects and thinking about life after graduation.

Speaking of graduation... I graduated! This program has been an amazing journey as I'm sure many of you know or will find out. The knowledge and connections I've acquired throughout the program has been so rewarding.

If there's one thing I can leave you with, its perhaps my favorite quote (and one that was used in our graduation ceremony): ‎"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

In the meantime, my post-graduation job hunt continues. 

-James 

Reading List!

Hey everyone!

Things have been a little slow lately, I added a second job at Children's Hospital as a community relations intern so that's kept me pretty busy. Regardless, I've got a new post to write! 

Recently (and with some faculty contributions), I created a suggested reading list for MPA students looking to pick up a good book in our field. I took the idea from the UK Patterson School of Diplomacy which puts out an annual reading list every summer for its students. I'm always taking books off their list to read and figured it was about time for us to have a reading list as well. The challenge is, of course, trying to read for fun when many of us are bogged down with class readings, assignments and work. 

Best of luck on midterms!

James 

Updates from the Road to Graduation

Hello everybody!

It's getting to be about time for another update. Hopefully everyone is making it through their classes this semester; if you need any help or advice, feel free to stop by the office! I've just recently completed a project to tame the shelves of past capstone projects and portfolios--should help those of you who stop by looking for a particular thing. I've also pulled together a list of capstone projects for the past 7 years--either myself, Julie or Beth has a copy of the list, which is of great use if you're looking for particular subjects, organizations, or previous students who have worked on a certain topic. My need for organization seems to have gotten then better of me.

In other news, last week we had an amazing guest speaker in Human Resource Management--Lori Zombeck from NKADD. If you haven't had that class already, she's been one of the most valuable resources in terms of resume/cover letter development. I highly recommend talking with her!

Until next time,
James

The Beginning of the End!

Well, the first week of my last semester is in the books! It seems that this is shaping up to be a smooth sailing semester for me... just have to complete my Capstone project/portfolio and get the last bit of knowledge I need from Human Resource Management. I can't believe the end is near. 

Something I did notice from my courses though is that this semester seems to be all about expanding my "how to find a job after graduation" skills... Admittedly, they could probably use a little work. I've been keeping my eye out for opportunities, but what I really like to start doing is looking at cities on the East and West coast for opportunities. Time for a change. 

Anyhoo, the new edition of the MPA newsletter is out. You should be getting them in your classes, but if not stop by the MPA office to pick up a copy!

Until next time,

James