Recently we caught up with Master of Public Policy student Amanda Goode. Learn more about Amanda below!
When Amanda first applied to the School of Public Policy (SPP) she intended to go into research and seek out a career in public service on the academic side. Last year Amanda interned with the Town of Windsor, Connecticut and found how rewarding public administration and public policy could be. She explains,
I learned a lot about all the things our local governments do that we tend to take for granted. I realized that I felt I had the skills needed to make my community better through public service and I decided that it was the direction I really wanted to go in.
Growing up Amanda’s father covered municipal government for the Hartford Courant. His emphasis on what made a good public service and what traits made for less ideal ones helped encourage her interest in local government.
For Amanda, choosing a MPP with SPP was due to the rankings and the location in her home state. After not having an internship during her undergraduate studies at Eastern Connecticut State University, SPP’s internship offerings really made an impact. Her internship in Windsor was in the Town Manager’s Office, and she worked to complete the Town’s Sustainable CT application. She notes,
I was really proud when Windsor was certified bronze for their efforts. My old supervisor, Scott Colby, even invited me back to help receive the award on the Town’s behalf. I was also really grateful for the other opportunities that position offered me. My supervisor insisted I attend the ICMA Northeast Regional Conference last year and it was a huge benefit to me as both a learning and networking experience.
When she initially started interning with City of Middletown, Connecticut last fall she worked with the Economic Development Department. Recently she began working with the Public Works Department, and again is working on a Sustainable CT application. This opportunity has allowed her to cement an understanding of sustainability concepts.
When asked about a favorite SPP memory, Amanda notes last month’s Pi Alpha Alpha Induction. She says,
It was exciting to be recognized for my hard work and I was so proud to be there with my classmates. My family came out to celebrate with me and I felt really strongly that I had done a good job. It was great to hear the staff and members of the honor society speak about our potential, because I really do believe we’re all going on to do something great.
Amanda see’s town planning in her future, and notes that her electives have been focused on that outcome. After graduation Amanda will be working with the State College, Pennsylvania Planning Department. Congratulations to Amanda and the Class of 2023!