Today’s #StudentSpotlight is Arianna Adams!
What brought you to the City College of New York and to the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership?
Going to City College sort of runs in the family ( my father and brother both attended). When I was contemplating about going back to school, CCNY’s MPA program was one of the few that included social justice in their curriculum. Going through the application and interview process I felt at ease with the leadership and the passion that the staff had for the program and it confirmed that I was making the right choice.
What advice would you give to future or prospective MPA students?
My best advice is to ask for what you need. So many people in our community are willing to help and assist with things you need in and out of the program. You will never know what opportunities you can be awarded if you don’t ask.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the MPA community?
I love the camaraderie I have with my cohort. We lean on each other in and out of school assignments/ group projects, and they have shaped my great experience in this program.
What inspired you to pursue an MPA?
After I took my first nonprofit role, my boss became a mentor to me and helped me navigate the nonprofit industry. He saw a lot of potential in me and encouraged me to seek additional education to better my chances of securing a higher position.
What has been your favorite class or professor so far, and why?
I really enjoyed the material presented in the Strategic Human Resources Management course. It was very relatable for me, especially because I was onboarding at a new organization during the time of the course. I was given great tools and resources to take with me in my future, and it made me reflect on previous roles and organizations that I was a part of.
What are your plans or hopes after graduation?
I am hoping to get promoted to a more senior-level position in my organization, where I can take the tools I learned from the MPA program and help my organization achieve the goals that they’ve set.
Ready to lead change in public service? Explore the MPA Program at the Colin Powell School:
🔗 colinpowellschool.ccny.cuny.edu/graduate-programs/master-of-public-administration-mpa
