For the past two years, Career Services has focused on furthering the importance of professional trajectories in state and local government roles. This semester, the Career Services team held three Information sessions with representatives from Prince George County, Baltimore City and Washington, D.C.
As part of the events, students gained crucial insight into how to establish careers within the state and local government sector. The sessions encouraged students to consider how their SPP curriculum could be applied within their future careers and government projects.
"As a long-time resident of Montgomery County and Maryland, I returned to graduate school to gain the vital skills that will enable me to play an integral role in the shaping and developing of policies to support our increasingly diverse communities in Maryland,” says Arnold Adja, MPP ’22. “The local and state government career information sessions have provided me with valuable insight into the experiences of seasoned professionals and alumni of SPP."
The first session featured David Juppe, a legislative analyst with the Prince George’s County Office of Management and Budget. Juppe previously worked for the Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services and was able to share important insight on the differences between working for a state office and a local office.
The second meeting hosted Joshua Wilson, MPP ‘17. Wilson currently works as a Program Manager for the Baltimore City Information Technology Department and discussed the challenges and benefits of working on policy in an urban environment. Additionally, Wilson previously worked for CitiStat and explained the differences between working in the private and public sector. Working for Baltimore City, he said, provided him with the sensation that he was able to do right by the city.
The final Information Session was with Jeannette Fernandez, MPP ‘16, who is currently working as a Budget Analyst at the D.C. Mayor’s Office of Budget and Performance. Fernandez previously held a position in the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, so she offered insight on the differences between a state position and a position in the unique government structure of Washington, D.C.
“It was inspiring to hear about Fernandez’s positive experiences in both offices and the opportunities she has had taking the lead on projects and initiatives in both places,” says Julia Schreiber, MPP ‘22. “She shared what her experience was like coming from out-of-state and working within state government, and for an outsider like myself, I found hearing about her experiences and advice to be incredibly helpful.”
The University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy prides itself on prepping the future leaders of public policy in all arenas. With that said, SPP wants to further the importance of local and state jobs and how change is at the tip of your fingertips when working for local communities. If you are interested in what state and local government positions look like, or have questions on how to further your candidacy for this field, Career Services encourages students to schedule an appointment with their respective advisor.
