From being a student in the graduate program to staff
At the end of her undergraduate studies, majoring in history and philosophy, Zoe Crihfield wanted to stay in the Knoxville area and pursue an advanced degree. Interested in nonprofit work and the economic development of the Appalachian region, she was looking for something more than a traditional master’s in public administration. That’s when she saw that the Master of Public Policy and Administration program had a policy track and could provide connections in the Appalachian region.
The program allowed Crihfield to complete a fellowship through the Appalachian Leadership Institute, giving her the opportunity to explore her career interests while continuing her education. Evening classes gave her a sense of autonomy and flexibility, while allowing her to set her own personal schedule. The weekends were for her. During the week, she would complete her fellowship hours and homework during the day leading up to her classes at night.
Completing the curriculum in two years, she felt prepared to begin her career. Crihfield just didn’t expect to begin her professional career working for the program where she earned her degree.
Giving credit to what she called hard skills, she learned the communication skills to write policy briefs and reports, the analytical skills from statistical courses, and the ability to synthesize current issues. These skills were invaluable to her, as were the connections she was able to make locally and state-wide. She felt the program’s professionalism set her up well to handle deadlines and goals and make individual decisions based on the trust she built with the faculty.
While Crihfield was a student in the MPPA program, she learned of upcoming changes, including moving under the Baker School and dissecting into two separate degrees to make this program even more flexible and accessible. She wanted to be a part of that, and she loved the idea of being a part of something new.
With firsthand experience in the program, state-wide connections and skills she gained in the program, Crihfield was a perfect fit for the graduate student coordinator position at the Baker School. Knowing this program inside and out, she recruits students and can share what to expect, which she has found beneficial. Being fresh out of the program has created an unspoken trust between her and the students, not only the ones she recruits but also the ones already in the program.
The Baker School graduate program has two-degrees – master’s in public administration and master’s in public policy. Both programs can be done in-person, while the master’s in public administration is also available as an online course. The program plans to launch an online master’s in public policy in the coming years.
Crihfield sees this as leading to even more opportunities for students. The program can attract a broader audience, giving students a choice now if they feel more passionate about one or the other. They have a deeper education in public administration or public policy, opening even more career opportunities to the students once they graduate. Just as it did for Crihfield.