Rock Your Career: Gladys Valverde, MPA ’22

What was one of the most meaningful experiences you had during your time in the MPA program? 

One of the most meaningful experiences was working on real-world problems and issues affecting New Yorkers. In the course, Evaluating Public Sector Programs, we worked in teams to design an evaluation for New York State’s contact tracing program, a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had the opportunity to learn specifics about how the program was implemented, ask questions to public administrators working in the field, and pitch our plans for how to conduct an evaluation. I valued being able to determine how to measure a program’s impact and consider how decisions about resources and effectiveness are made. 

Where did you complete your internship requirement and what knowledge, skills, and abilities did you develop as a result of this experience? 

I completed my internship requirement at the New York eHealth Collaborative, a state-designated agency that manages the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY). Through this opportunity, I learned about the efficiency and cost-saving benefits of health information exchange to healthcare and patient outcomes. More specifically, I gained skills in managing state contracts and coordinating between public, private, and non-profit partners. This experience provided insight into the public-private partnership for improving health outcomes and health equity for all New Yorkers through technology. 

What specific skills or experiences through the program have prepared you for your transition to post-graduate employment?

From the first course, Foundations of Public Administration, to specializations courses, such as Health Law and Public Health Politics and Policy, Rockefeller College faculty strive to engage students with important topics. I have learned the foundations of administrative accountability, health policy, and public health practices, as well as considered how they are implemented in communities and discussed what challenges may arise. The MPA program challenged me to consider the roll-out, challenges, and barriers to public policy decisions, which will be a vital skill in any future position. 

Where are you currently employed and what is the focus of your position? 

After graduation, I will be starting as an Advisory Associate with KPMG, an international network of firms specializing in professional services. Through their advisory services, they provide support and industry expertise to government and public sector organizations, so that they can fulfill their mission to meet constituent needs. I hope to use my experience and knowledge gained through the MPA program to improve public systems and be a voice for the most vulnerable. 

What advice do you have for students who are considering employment in the public sector and pursuing an MPA degree? 

The education and skills gained through Rockefeller College’s MPA program will help someone interested in a career in public service or non-profit management stand out from the pack. I would advise students to learn from and connect with their professors and peers. There is a diversity of knowledge and backgrounds on campus and in the classroom that makes for an exceptional experience at Rockefeller. In addition, the support of the Office of Career Development was priceless. The staff helped refresh my resume, prepare for an interview, negotiate salary and benefits, network with alumni, and more. I greatly encourage students to make full use of these resources.