Online MPA Program ranked as the 18th most affordable in the nation for 2017
Careers
On average, students who graduate from our MPA Program have a starting salary of $56,000. Seventy-seven percent of our graduates, who do not have employment while pursuing their degree, are employed within six months after graduation.
Career Assistance
Who do I contact for career assistance?
The UM School of Law’s Katy Stack (Director of Career Development) and Leslie Ellington-Staal (Career Services Program Coordinator) will provide you direct assistance and their extensive expertise with job preparedness:
- Resume and cover letter assistance
- Mock interviews
- What to do/not do for interviews (e.g. group interviews, zoom interviews, or in person interviews)
- Pre- and post-interview success tips
How do I sign up for a career advising appointment?
- M-F (8-5p.m.) send an email to set up an appointment with Leslie or Katy
- Leslie (available for in person or phone sessions) leslie.staal@mso.umt.edu
- Katy (available for zoom or in person sessions) katy.stack@mso.umt.edu
Important Caveats
If you want assistance on your resume or cover letter, you are required to send a draft in advance (at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled meeting time). If you need samples to get you started, please ask Katy or Leslie.
These services are open to all (online or in person) DPAP graduate students (joint, certificate, or masters).
Please review this portion of our website regularly because it is updated often.
Jobs
- PublicServiceCareers.org
PublicServiceCareers.org is a widely used website for finding jobs and career advice for public service and public affairs students and professionals. - AmeriCorps Service Positions (MT, various cities)
- Montana Nonprofit Association job board
Statewide resource for those interested in a nonprofit career. - Program Manager for Boys & Girls Clubs of Missoula County This position is responsible for overseeing all internal operations of the Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County’s (BGCM) After-School and Summer Clubs. Full time, salary range is $28k - $33k. Looking to hire quickly--applications due Friday, Jan 15, 2021 with interviews the following week and tentative start date of 1-25-21.
- Policy & Accreditation Support Specialist for Western Montana Mental Health Center (pdf) (Missoula, MT) This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, managing, coordinating, and supporting the accreditation, licensing, and policy and procedure functions.
Internships
- Internships at the Missoula Food Bank (pdf)
- Communications Intern with Western Montana Creative Initiatives/Open AIR (pdf) Ideal candidates for this internship will be energetic, inventive, hard working, social media- and web-savvy, and brimming with ideas about creative ways to engage audiences in the organization's mission. 10-20 hours for 3.5 months. College credit is available. Currently the position is primarily remote with flexible hours.
- Startup Internships for Accelerate Montana These paid opportunities are a way to obtain real-world experience in business specific to your career interests, develop skills essentials to business and leadership, connect with passionate and innovative entrepreneurs, and open post-graduate career opportunities. To learn more and apply, follow the Handshake links below or contact Accelerate Montana internship manager Sid Paladugu at sid.paladugu@mso.umt.edu:
- Intern for Missoula Organization of Realtors (pdf) (Missoula, MT) This position requires data analysis as well as technical and creative writing abilities to produce the 2021 Missoula Housing Report. Timeframe is January - April 2021, compensation offered. Contact Cheryl Minnick at CMinnick@mso.umt.edu for more details.
Notable Alumni
Local/State Communities
- Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma, Director of Student-Athlete Support Services
- Shyra Scott, Missoula County Recording Director
- Anne Hughes, Missoula County Chief Operating Officer
- Dayna Swanson, Director of Government Relations at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
- Tim Fox, former Montana Attorney General
- Christi Jacobsen, Montana Secretary of State
- Rob Gannon, City of Missoula Chief Financial Officer
Tribal Communities
- Eldena Bear Don’t Walk, tribal judge, first female Chief Justice of the Crow Tribe
- Debra DuMontier, Office of Special Trustee for American Indians
Nonprofit/International Communities
- Deena Mansour, Executive Director of the Mansfield Center
- Jesse Mahugh, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
- Aubrie Lyons, Director of Montana World Affairs Council
- Mike Halligan, Executive Director of the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
