A hallmark of the SPIA experience is our tight-knit and supportive community that spans class years and degrees. Recently, incoming MPA students met up with veteran MPA alums in Washington, D.C. for a mentoring lunch at the U.S. Department of State.

Fatma is an incoming Payne Fellow and Barghav is an incoming Rangel Fellow. They enjoyed conversation with Sara and Josh, both SPIA alumni doing interesting and important work at the State Department.

Everyone talked about their respective journeys of applying to graduate school—each one taking a slightly different path—while our alumni talked about preparing for the summer program that predates the fall semester, the supportive SPIA community they found on campus and in their professional networks since, and how SPIA helped accelerate their careers.

The SPIA community is unique and special; indeed, it is why I am proud to work here. SPIA alumni are always willing to share their time and experiences with SPIA students. Everyone here—on campus and in their careers—is committed to public service.

If you think this might be a community for you, we hope you will apply. Applications open in September.

Many thanks to Fatma for the picture and for writing to us about the mentoring lunch!