Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your name, age, location, and educational background?

My name is Amber Ingwell. I am 30 years old and currently living in Ithaca while I’m obtaining my Master of Public Administration degree at Cornell University. I grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a BA in Political Science and Legal Studies.

What What drew you to Cornell’s MPA program?

Cornell’s MPA was a good fit for me for several reasons. For one, a two-year program seemed like the appropriate choice (over a one-year program) to give me enough time to gain the necessary skills and allow for a true immersion in the breadth of material required to be a professional in the field.

Second, Cornell’s MPA concentration areas give an opportunity to hone your interests and signal some commitment to a specific area.

Third, Cornell’s principle of “any person, any study” also applies to the MPA program. There is great flexibility to shape the degree to your specific needs and interests. The ability to take classes across campus means exposure to many different areas.

Fourth, the program puts emphasis not only on technical skills but also on leadership and management principles. There is ample opportunity to translate leadership skills exercised in the military to future roles in the civilian sector.

Finally, Cornell’s faculty and staff are committed to your success in your field. There are a lot of opportunities for practical experiences to prepare you for future jobs and build a network of colleagues.

Cornell also offered the best academic experience in a beautiful location — Ithaca, NY!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about choosing Cornell’s MPA program?

Do not sell yourself short. Your experiences will serve you well both in the program and as a future leader in public affairs. Also, do not stress if you do not know exactly where you want to go after the program.

The flexibility of Cornell’s program allows you to change your mind, explore interests, and obtain excellent foundational knowledge.

You can be confident that the Master of Public Administration offered at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, an Ivy League MPA program, will be helpful as you pursue a career in the public, nonprofit, or private sectors.