We want to highlight interesting career options that Master of Information Science - Master of Public Affairs dual degree graduates are pursuing. Careers in government and non-profit companies with an information science niche are attracting several students. Two recent MIS/MPA graduates are now at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Kristin Centanni (MIS/MPA'08) is working with a technology consulting firm in Chicago. Upon graduation, she received an Eben Tisdale Public Policy Fellowship which provides "students an opportunity to learn about high tech public policy issues with hands-on experience in Washington, D.C. The Fellowship has two components: a full-time 8 week public policy internship with a high-tech company, firm or trade association, and weekly issues seminar lunches hosted by Tisdale sponsors. The Fellowship offers a $5,000 grant to students who are accepted."
Centanni recently answered questions about her studies and current job via an email interview:
"I started SPEA back in 2005 with the intent to focus on technology issues in the nonprofit community. I've always been inspired by volunteerism and giving back to others, but also developed an interest in the high-tech arena. As I got more involved with the nonprofit sector I started to realize the importance of public policy and how it shapes the world we live in.
At SPEA I had a dual concentration in nonprofit management and information systems. I loved all of the information systems classes, but felt they did not delve deep enough to allow the level of understanding I was seeking. In my quest to fulfill my interest in pursuing another degree or concentration, it was recommended that I visit SLIS - and am I happy I did!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SLIS and am confident that the combination of the MPA/MIS degree opened a variety of doors for me when it came to the job hunt and securing internships. In the summer of 2007 I was accepted as a Tisdale Fellow to learn about technology policy work in our Nation's Capitol, while interning at Business Software Alliance (a nonprofit trade association for software companies). It was a phenomenal experience and I learned more about government, politics and simply how our nation really does business than in all the civics classes I've taken. I highly recommend the Tisdale Fellowship to anyone interested in technology and policy - and what a great time to be in DC!
All in all, my dual degree choice provided uniqueness and well-roundedness that employers found attractive. I knew I wanted to do technology consulting for nonprofit and public sector clients and therefore set off in search of firms that did just that. After careful consideration of the handful of offers I received, I opted for a progressive and high-end technology consulting firm in Chicago. I'm thoroughly satisfied with my career choice and the degree that afforded me this experience."
Posted December 17, 2008