Back to School!

Back To School

Over twelve months have passed since I decided to apply to the MPA program, and I’m finally here! I wanted to take a quick moment to discuss my admissions journey.

While looking for programs that would best set me up for future job advancements, I investigated a variety of different options, including MBA and JD programs. Ultimately, I found myself deciding between an MBA and an MPA degree. My personal thoughts were that an MBA would develop soft skills while a Master’s in Professional Accounting would concentrate more on hard skills. Clearly, I chose to hone my technical skills, but I wholeheartedly believe it is in an environment where soft skills are just as much a priority.

Like Olivia, I found the Live and Learn blog instrumental in understanding the program better. The Admissions blog is also very clear and very easy to understand,  providing a lot of valuable information directly from the admissions team. In the end, both the Live and Learn blog and Admissions blog are excellent resources to leverage in order to gain first-hand knowledge of the program.

The most influential decision I made, though, was coming out to Austin and visiting campus during the fall. I met with the MPA program staff, toured the business school and campus, and fell even more in love with Austin, Texas. Not only did I find the program to truly be the best in the country, but I found Austin’s entrepreneurial spirit captivating and full of opportunity. (In case you haven’t heard, it’s not exactly a boring city either!)

At the end of the day, my decision came down to fit. Do I complement the personality of the program, and does the character of the program (and town) match up to my needs and wants? Through reading Live and Learn and visiting campus, I figured out what life was like at the MPA—difficult, fulfilling, and fun—and that it would be a good fit. After that, the Admissions blog gave me all the information I needed for completing a successful application. To my fellow classmates, congratulations on making it through each of your unique journeys, and to any prospective students, I encourage you to use the resources at your disposable to make the best decision for you!

2 thoughts on “Back to School!”

  1. I really like this writing your style. Excellent guide.Your approach to this post is unique and appreciating.

Leave a Reply to Olivia Coffey Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *