Planning a Career in Public Administration? Here’s How This UIC Course Can Help

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Illinois, Chicago equips students with the skills and knowledge to lead in government, nonprofit, and public service roles. The program strongly emphasizes career development and is designed to help students align their academic experiences with their professional goals.

Dr. Allyson Holbrook, professor and director of UIC’s online MPA program, teaches PA 591: Managing Your Career. This one-credit course encourages students to reflect on their strengths, explore different career paths, and make strategic choices about their future. In this spotlight, she shares how the course helps students take ownership of their career planning and get the most out of their MPA experience.

Can you provide an overview of your background in public administration?

My background is more closely tied to the public policy side of our department, particularly in data analysis. I earned my Political Science and Psychology undergraduate degree from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. Then I completed my master’s degree and PhD in Social Psychology at The Ohio State University.

Much of my research focuses on public opinion, both its role in the policy and political process, and how we can better measure it. While my work is rooted in public policy, the applications extend beyond that. For example, federal agencies use public opinion surveys to inform various decisions, from estimating the unemployment rate to measuring unreported crimes. These data play a vital role in how the government functions and public programs are administered.

Why is PA 591: Managing Your Career an essential part of the MPA curriculum?

This course is important because it encourages students to be intentional about their career paths and take time for self-evaluation. One of the key components involves completing assessments to understand better their skills, personality, strengths, and weaknesses. It encourages students to reflect on where they are in their careers, where they want to go, and the wide range of possibilities available to them with an MPA.

Some students pursue a Master of Public Administration online with a clear goal, like moving up in their current organization, because all their supervisors have MPAs. That’s a valid reason to pursue the degree, but this course helps broaden their perspective. Through informational interviews, peer discussions, and reviewing each other’s resumes or LinkedIn profiles, students are exposed to the different career paths others are pursuing. That kind of interaction helps them identify the types of Master of Public Administration jobs that align with their values and strengths.

Students can take the course at any point in the program, but I recommend it earlier if possible. It helps them make more informed choices about which courses to take and how to align their academic experiences with their long-term goals.

Professional Development Skills You’ll Gain in UIC’s Online MPA Course

PA 591 is a one-credit course, but students get a lot out of it, especially regarding self-reflection and professional development. One of the main goals is helping students engage in thoughtful reflection about their career goals and values. One of the key activities is for students to take assessment tests to evaluate their strengths and skills. These assessments help them identify what they’re naturally good at and then consider what roles or career paths would suit them.

They also learn about professional organizations in the field of public administration. Thanks to a fund established by one of our emeritus faculty members, students can join one of several professional organizations for a year, often at a significantly discounted rate. We introduce them to these organizations and encourage them to get involved as part of their broader career development.

What’s a Hands-On Project Students Complete in PA 591?

The final project in PA 591 is an individual development plan that brings everything together. Throughout the course, students complete smaller assignments and reflections, but this project pulls together their short- and long-term goals, strengths and weaknesses, and vision for the future. It serves as a blueprint for where they want their career to go and how they plan to get there. It’s a great exercise in strategic planning, and it really personifies what the course is all about.

In addition, students make at least one professional connection by conducting an informational interview with someone who holds a job they’re interested in. Sometimes, students go into the interview to pursue that specific job, only to realize that it’s not the right fit for them after speaking with the person. This process allows students to reflect on their strengths and whether specific career paths align with their interests and abilities.

Advice for Prospective Students Considering UIC’s Online MPA Program

I would encourage prospective students to be honest with themselves about their strengths and weaknesses, especially when it comes to learning in an online environment.

Online learning works well for some people, but not as well for others. For example, if you get easily distracted, it’s essential to set aside dedicated, uninterrupted time for your coursework. Online MPA programs require discipline. If you struggle to get started on tasks, you might benefit from having some accountability system, whether that’s a partner, a schedule, or another structure to help you stay on track.

Our students are very successful in the online Master of Public Administration degree program, but the self-directed aspect can be challenging for a few. So really ask yourself: Is this the right fit for me? And if you think it might be tough, what can you do to create the structure you need to succeed, and how can you use UIC resources to support yourself?

Academic and Career Support to Help MPA Students Succeed

UIC provides a range of resources to support students academically and professionally. Students can access the university’s writing and career centers, which offer valuable assistance throughout the Master of Public Administration online program.

The online MPA program also has a strong faculty support system. Our full-time and adjunct faculty are highly committed to student success. They are expected to offer academic support, meet with students synchronously if needed, and help them navigate challenges.

Online students also have a dedicated advisor who plays a crucial role. This advisor frequently checks in with students to ensure they stay on track and connects them with the necessary resources. This kind of personalized attention helps students feel supported and ensures they are not left behind.