Finding the Right Track

Taxation, Financial Assurance, Managerial, and Generalist. That seems like a small list to choose from, right? How hard can it be to just pick a track out of those four options? Surprise! IT’S REALLY HARD!! Going into your first semester as an iMPA, you face the difficult decision of choosing a track. Some students may come into the program with a track already in mind while other students come in completely open to all four tracks. Here are some great tools that you might find useful in aiding your research of the different tracks:

ACE Class. After taking the ACE class, which is an accounting careers exploration class required your first semester in the program, I have been able to learn what tracks to pursue based on the type of job I am looking for. Tax and audit tracks (audit track is another name for the financial assurance track) are usually pretty versatile. There are jobs in industry, public accounting, government jobs, etc. if you pursue these tracks. Managerial is a track that is more tailored to the entrepreneurial side and is used a lot more in industry.

Professors. The best way to really get your questions answered is to talk to the professors. They have all worked in the areas that they teach and it is really helpful to pick their brain on what they think each track is like.

MPA Orientation. Although this is right at the beginning of your MPA experience, the orientation has a section where they have professors from each track on a panel discussing why they think each track is the best one to pursue. It is not only really entertaining to watch them try to top each other’s reasoning but you also learn a lot during this panel, so pay attention at orientation!!

Faculty Luncheons. The program offers multiple opportunities for students to go to luncheons with different professors that teach in a specific track. This is a great opportunity to hear what they have to say and who doesn’t like a free lunch?!

For a brief overview of each track, you can also check out the MPA website!

 

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