MPPA Mentor Program

Current students commonly have expressed the desire for input from alumni regarding career options, how to obtain particular types of positions, especially important skills for work in policy/administration, etc. Meantime, some PPA alums have expressed enthusiasm about assisting people presently enrolled in our graduate program. Prompted by the PPA Alumni Chapter, we are now moving to enhance such connections by establishing a PPA Mentoring Program.

What is a PPA mentor and what type of assistance does a mentor provide?
A PPA mentor is an alumnus or advanced current student who has self-identified as being willing to help newer graduate students. The assistance a mentor provides may vary a lot with circumstances. However, we expect that mentors will be willing to meet in-person with students (or communicate by phone or e-mail, if more convenient) and discuss such matters as attributes of specific jobs and career paths, how to be competitive for particular types of positions, the desirability of fellowships/internships, the need for specialized training, dealing with the rigidities of the civil service system, and the like. In some cases mentors may also be able to provide contacts within specific organizations.

Your browser is javascript disabled. You will not be able to submit the password and view the directory on-line. However, you can obtain a hardcopy of the directory by contacting the department office by email or phone 916/278-6557.

To obtain the password to access the directory (or request a hard copy of the directory), contact the department office by email or phone 916/278-6557.

Please contact Rob Wassmer if you have suggestions for other mentors or ways to improve the mentoring program.