What Shannon Says About IPA

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ake a look at what Shannon says about IPA. Then, come and see for yourself and become another of our success stories! Here’s her profile.

gradudat degree: MSW, New York University, Social Work; undergrad degree: BS, Frostburg State University, Psychology
graduate concentration: State and Local Management
RA experience areas: Conflict Resolution, Legislative Fellow

Shannon Connolly

What attracted you to the University of Delaware? to IPA?

Two primary factors drew me to UD: the generous financial assistance they provide to graduate students and the program’s ranking in US News and World Report. I was placed in IPA purely by chance—a very fortunate chance.

What has your experience been like as a UD grad student working at IPA?

The staff and faculty are friendly and kind. They really go out of their way to help students receive the most benefit out of the graduate experience. I worked with [IPA’s Conflict Resolution Program (CRP)] for 1-1/2 years. CRP’s staff [members] are warm, friendly, and always available if questions arise. [They] really make a point to include graduate students in all aspects of the program, from pre-planning to service delivery.

What opportunities have been available to you as a result of your association with IPA?

I worked in CRP and in the Legislative Fellows program. In CRP I worked on [various] projects, including the strategic plan for a local nursery school, [conducted] meeting facilitations, [and assisted in] trainings on a variety of topics [including] a comprehensive Basic Mediation training program. I had the opportunity to be involved in all project aspects: pre-planning, design, delivery, and wrap-up.

What immediate and future career plans do you have?

I was fortunate to have been selected as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and will be working as a PMF at the National Institutes of Health in the Office of the Director.

Why would you recommend IPA to prospective students?

IPA staff and faculty are wonderful.

What advice would you give to a student who is considering joining the MPA program/IPA?

An MPA degree affords one the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths. This flexibility is invaluable. The MPA program at [the University of] Delaware provides graduate students with the hands-on experience that allows one to translate classroom knowledge into practical, real-world experience.

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