Alumni Highlight: Nick Jarvis

Meet Nick Jarvis, an alumnus of the MPA program. The MPA program asked him a few questions about life after graduation: 
 

Who is your current employer and what is your job title?

     I am the Director of Research and Technology at the Utah League of Cities and Towns.
 
What are some of the duties of your job? Recent achievements?

     I oversee and execute the League’s research efforts, compiling and analyzing the data we use to support our legislative positions and assist municipal governments.I work with other research oriented organizations and various levels of government to provide ULCT membership with the best information possible. Additionally, I manage and maintain the League’s online presence, provide legislative and administrative assistance, and act as the staff liaison to the Board of Directors.
 
How has obtaining an MPA degree helped you in your career?

     Not only has the professional knowledge I gained from the MPA program been incredibly valuable, I actually started at ULCT when I needed to fulfill the paid internship requirement of the program.Many of my fellow students had been working for years in government or at nonprofits and were pursuing an MPA as professional development, but for me, the MPA program made it possible for me to begin my career in the public sector.
 
What advice would you give to incoming or current MPA students?

     Take a holistic approach to your education in the MPA program.Even if your current employment or the career you are pursuing is highly technical, take advantage of the opportunities to understand topics like organizational theory, leadership, and board governance that the MPA program provides.Even if your plan is to work in government, learn about the nonprofit sector.Draw on your professional experience to enhance your education, and let your education inform the way you go about your job.Also, don’t put off your MRP! Get it done!

Tag Cloud

• XMPA (1)
• Alumni (2)
• Wei Zhen (1)
• Class 2011 (1)
• Faculty (1)
• Nonprofit (1)
• Community (5)
• MPA (6)
• Jesus Valero (1)
• Homeless (1)
• Community Engaged Learning (3)
• Management (3)
• Non Profit (3)
• Garth Jones (1)
• University of Utah (1)
• Public Administration (2)
• Open Letter (1)
• George Floyd (1)
• Anna Brower (1)
• Clayton Scrivner (1)
• Jan Bents (1)
• Nate Talley (1)
• Faculty Highlight (1)
• Cuba (1)
• Travel (1)
• Classwork (1)
• Volunteer (1)