Pittsburgh, PA USA
My first contact with the Local Government Academy was at their career fair at the University of Pittsburgh. As a student I have attended numerous career fairs but LGA's fair was exceptional. The opportunity to meet with each host municipality was invaluable and the system of ranking top choices by student and host municipality helped to facilitate a quality match. Also, by posting plenty of information about the projects ahead of time I was able to prepare for the fair rather than show up cold. My assignment in a Washington Co. PA municipality provided me with a chance to experience many facets of common city business and to work with residents, businesses, and elected officials. The staff and elected officials were generous and friendly and helped to make the temporary move from Cleveland to the Pitt area an easy one. Currently, while working on my MPA coursework, I often find myself referring back to my experience in the intern program. It was important to me to have been able to make the connection between the academic and professional worlds and I'm grateful to the Local Government Academy for providing the opportunity to make that connection.
The Great!
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... extremely welcoming and friendly and committed to the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate students in its program.
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... become a national destination of choice for aspiring local government professionals interested in gaining practical municipal experience. It's already truly a one of a kind program for its region.
Ways to make it better!
- My experience would have been better if... The professional development session and meeting between all interns was held earlier in the program rather than towards the end. Just my preference.