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Mentor, Ohio, native, Alyssa Manning, BS ’21, MPA ’22, launched her post-graduate school career while staying closely connected to the place that shaped her passion. Now working as a grants and funding specialist at Verdantas, an environmental consulting firm, she continues to build on the foundation she developed through her work with ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Manning talked about her own experience at OHIO and shared some advice for current students in the interview below.

OU, Oh Yeah: Admittedly, I followed my high school boyfriend to ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ and majored in political science during my undergrad. When graduation rolled around, I wasn’t necessarily sold on grad school. But after working as an Undergraduate Research Scholar at the Voinovich School, specifically with the , I absolutely fell in love with working with local governments. I chose to pursue the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program because I wanted to become an expert in local governance and continue learning in a smaller, more hands-on setting that would prepare me well for my career.

All In: I didn’t apply to any other graduate programs. I knew the Voinovich School was the right fit. I had already worked with the team, and I loved the smaller class sizes that allowed for a more personalized learning environment and meaningful connections with faculty and peers.

Real-world experience: The best part of the MPA program was the flexibility to pursue my interests and build relationships with people doing the kind of work I wanted to do. Working for the MPP as a graduate assistant was like having a real job. I shadowed professionals in local government every day and got a deep dive into the nonprofit sector. I learned directly from people who had built careers in spaces I aspired to be in. I don’t think I could’ve gained that kind of experience anywhere else.

It’s who you know: In undergrad, I once applied for an internship at the company I now work for — and didn’t even get a response. But after completing the MPA program and applying for a full-time position, I discovered that I had a connection to every person on my interview panel, all through the Voinovich School. Now I’m in my first full-time job at the company that once didn’t even get back to me, working in a role that typically requires five years of experience. Thanks to the practical training and network I built at the Voinovich School, I landed the position despite being early in my career.

What’s next: I just recently started this job, so there’s still a lot of learning ahead. But I’m so grateful to still be working closely with the Voinovich School, as Verdantas is a consulting partner for the MPP, so I now get to contribute from the other side. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of projects that make a real impact. I’m happy where I am and excited to keep growing in the nonprofit and public service sectors.

A word of advice: If you’re looking for a push to pursue an MPA at the Voinovich School, this is it – do it. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the experience and support that I got through the program. It’s opened doors I didn’t even know existed.