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What attracted you to the University of Delaware? to IPA? |
| A. |
I was originally attracted to the University of Delaware and IPA because of the opportunity to get valuable work experience while concurrently earning an MPA degree. I realized that I would be more competitive in the job market by gaining two valuable years of work experience in addition to a formal education. Furthermore, the “Delaware Model” allows graduates to leave graduate school without being burdened by heavy student loans that limit what options an individual can pursue upon graduation. |
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What has your experience been like as a UD grad student working at IPA? |
| A. |
As a research assistant working for IPA, I have worked on a wide range of projects including topics such as local-government-management capacity, municipal land-use planning, human-resource management, and growth management. In each area I was never assigned to only take notes and make copies but was [made] an integral part of a team working to complete actual projects for various organizations. |
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What opportunities have been available to you as a result of your association with IPA? |
| A. |
The relationship and reputation of IPA with government organizations throughout the state provide valuable opportunities that enhance a student’s education through hands-on experiences. Part of my experience with IPA was spent working for the Delaware Office of State Planning Coordination. In this placement, I was able to get one-on-one mentoring from state employees while writing a comprehensive land-use plan for the Town of Little Creek. I was also one of the primary researchers on the Delaware Sprawl Prevention Act, which addresses one of the hottest topics currently in Delaware—growth management. |
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What immediate and future career plans do you have? |
| A. |
In the fall I will be attending law school. While working for IPA, I discovered an interest in housing and land-use/real estate issues. I plan on pursing a career in this area, and I know my IPA work experience will be pivotal in obtaining my first job. |
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Why would you recommend IPA to prospective students? |
| A. |
IPA is a place where an individual gets first-hand experience that complements and often surpasses classroom learning. More than once I have dealt with the same issues in and out of class, and my IPA experience has often enlightened my classroom knowledge to give me a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The “Delaware Model” provides the complete background students need to gain a competitive advantage when entering the job market. |
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What advice would you give to a student who is considering joining the MPA program/IPA? |
| A. |
Anyone considering IPA should spend time on IPA’s website looking at student and alumni e-portfolios. These resources provide an excellent overview of the work and research experiences students have at IPA, while identifying the job opportunities students have upon graduation. |
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