UM Grad: Master of Public Administration Degree Builds Confidence, Career Skills

By Phil Stempin, UM News Service

MISSOULA – Roni Hecker once worried her liberal arts background might limit her career options. Today, she manages business development and supports community outreach and financial education for Horizon Credit Union in Missoula.

Hecker credits the University of Montana’s Master of Public Administration program with helping her launch broad academic interests into practical leadership skills and a career that allows her to make a difference in her community.

“My MPA opened the door and introduced me to people I wouldn’t have met before,” Hecker said. “It feels great to be taken seriously and have an important role.”

Hecker grew up in Billings and earned undergraduate degrees at UM in literature and history, along with a minor in gender studies. Her education taught her to think critically and communicate effectively. Then she eyed developing other practical skills that would translate directly to the workplace.

She considered earning a Master of Business Administration but worried her lack of undergraduate business coursework would make that path longer.

“I felt like an MBA would take too long because I didn’t have a background in business in my undergrad,” Hecker said. “The Master of Public Administration gave me the well-rounded education I needed to be successful in any career I would choose.”

The flexible format of the University’s MPA program allowed Hecker to earn her degree while continuing to work 40 hours a week.

“I liked how I could work on these classes while working full time,” Hecker said. “I was learning things that were instantly making me better at my job.”

UM’s MPA program includes coursework in budgeting, data analysis, human resources, organizational theory and other subjects that prepare graduates to work across the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Some courses pushed Hecker beyond her comfort zone but ultimately helped her develop a broader professional toolkit.

“I was terrified to take some of these classes,” she said. “Now I’m managing the team I used to work with.”

That advancement reflects what Hecker hoped to gain from graduate school. She wanted skills that could help her contribute to many types of organizations rather than prepare her for one narrowly defined career.

“I wanted to diversify and gain well-rounded skills that could be used anywhere,” she said. “The MPA program taught me about how to better serve nonprofits, the public sector, education and government. I feel confident that I can benefit any organization.”

In her current role, Hecker works across business development, community outreach and financial education. Each area requires her to understand people, budgets, organizations and data while keeping the credit union’s values and community responsibilities at the center of its work.

“These skills I’ve learned touch every aspect of my current job,” Hecker said. “I can back up my decision-making with data visualization to make the best choices for my budget.”

Her education also changed how she approaches leadership. Courses in organizational theory helped her understand how teams and institutions function, while budgeting classes taught her to connect financial decisions with an organization’s larger mission.

“Now I know more about management and have discipline,” she said. “I’m able to approach my role with value-based budgeting.”

For Hecker, the value of the degree extends beyond her title or earning potential. It has given her greater confidence, more professional options and a stronger sense that she is building a meaningful career.

“This graduate degree adds credibility to my work experience,” she said. “Having letters after your name is really attractive to the outside world.”

Hecker’s path may resonate with students and working professionals who know they want to advance but have not settled on one specific career destination. She entered the MPA program looking for direction and practical skills. She left prepared to manage people, analyze information, oversee budgets and represent an organization in the community.

She said prospective students should not be afraid to pursue more responsibility, greater fulfillment and a career with room to grow.

“It’s OK to want more for yourself,” Hecker said. “It’s not just about money. I’m more comfortable and have more professional mobility.”

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Contact: Phil Stempin, director of events, marketing and communications, UM Alexander Blewett III School of Law, 406-243-6509, phil.stempin@umontana.edu.