As a second-year MA student studying English Literature in the fall of 2010, I knew that I wanted to transition into a more hands-on field, one in which I could have a tangible impact on the causes I cared most about. After weeks of graduate school fairs and informational interviews, I was confident that an MPA would allow me to pursue my interest in cultural and political theory, yet provide me with the practical quantitative and qualitative skills needed to enter into public management. The decision to go straight through to a second master’s program was not an easy one, however. Having been through the majority of one master’s already, I knew the demands of grad school, but I also had the luxury of knowing exactly what I wanted out of a graduate program.
I knew I wanted a flexible program in order to shape a course of study that made the most of my past graduate work, while challenging me to obtain new, relevant skills outside of my previous experience. I also wanted a program that allowed for a healthy work-life balance, and that valued and promoted fellowship among its students. Finally, I wanted to be at an institution that provided experiential learning opportunities outside of the classroom. At CIPA, I’ve found all of these.
Of the eight MPA and MPP programs I applied to, it became clear early in my admissions process that CIPA was a stand-out program. From my earliest contact with Jennifer, one of CIPA’s admissions and office staff, and my interactions with students during a campus visit, I noticed the refreshingly supportive and friendly culture of CIPA. Not only does CIPA offer the flexibility of taking courses at any of Cornell’s world-class schools, with the structure of offering consulting and networking opportunities each semester, but CIPA offers a truly remarkable culture of collaboration and fellowship among its students, faculty, and staff. And, in addition to study abroad opportunities, the student body is roughly 50% international, so Fellows are exposed to all corners of the world, even in little Ithaca.
Committing to a second graduate program was not an easy decision, but coming to Cornell and CIPA has easily been one of the best and most defining decisions I’ve made. I’ve not only gained the new skills and professional opportunities I came looking for, but I’ve gained a broader world perspective from my peers, a family of 200+ friends and fellows, unexpected career contacts, and the conviction and direction to pursue an impactful career after graduation.
Sarah Evans is a Second-Year Fellow concentrating in Public & Nonprofit Management. She can be reached at sge32@cornell.edu.