Personal Statement
Throughout my life I have always
possessed an interest in government.
I turned this interest into academic study an eventually
earned a Bachelors’ of Arts in Political Science.
With an interest and a degree I sought to gain
professional experience working in government.
My first job upon graduating from college was working for the Social Security Administration. I began as an entry-level claims representative who duty was to adjudicate disability claims. I found the work fun and challenging, and best off rewarding. There were many opportunities to help disadvantaged individuals gain a little stability in their lives. The job was good and I was awarded for me achievements, but I felt the need for career advancement. Within a few years from my hiring, I was accepted into the agency’s National Leadership Development Program. This accomplishment was quite an honor since I possessed very limited experience in the agency when selected. The program assisted in me developing skills in leadership, management, communication, interpersonal skills and decision-making by working in a variety of components across the agency in management and staff positions. In addition, the program helped me to understand the complexities of administering a large federal agency. Having an interest in the broader administration of government, I found the experience of program significantly rewarding. My professional experience assisted me in developing knowledge, skills and ability in public administration; however, I realized to further my success and to remain competitive, these skills required further articulation.
I entered the MPA program to incorporate articulation and understanding into my competencies in order to possess the necessary skills to become successful in my career. The MPA program allowed me to hone my skills through such subject areas as budgeting, policy, human resources, and research methods. Electives such as Urban Administration, Policy Analysis and Community and Economic Development each furthered my knowledge of the intricacies involved in governance. I am confident each of these courses will assist me in being successful in my future career aspirations of improving our system of governance for the people and to ensure government programs are administered in an equitable, effective and accountable manner.
I decided to depart the Social Security Administration after a year in management to return to school full time and seek out new career opportunities. The move was a risk, but nonetheless a risk worth taking. Since my departure I have amassed new skills and new experiences that will assist me in achieving success in whatever career path I choose.