MPA Personal Letter

Your Personal Letter is your goal statement. It should address your career goals and objectives and why an MPA from UConn would help you to reach these goals. This is an important part of your application. Please be as specific as possible. Two to five pages is fine. Double spaced is easier to read, but not required.

The personal letter is not a cover letter (e.g.. "I am qualified for this position and here is a list of my skills..."). It should be longer and more specific than a job cover letter. It's meant to explain to the committee:

1) who you are;

2) where you have been;

3) where you want to go;

4) and how an MPA from UConn will get you there.

I would suggest that you use examples. What jobs, volunteer work and positions have you held that expanded your view about public service? Specifically, how have these experiences influenced you? How have these experiences moved you in the direction you wish to go?

The following are some questions to think about when writing the letter:

* What is your goal?

This should address more than just a statement such as: "My ultimate goal is to be a City Manager." The real question is WHY? What is your passion? What "drives" you?

* What experiences or opportunities have influenced you and why?

How do your experiences relate to your goals? What types of jobs have you held? Have you done an internship? Have you volunteered? Have you studied abroad? Remember you need to be specific - Why did you choose to study overseas (or volunteer or work at that specific place)? How your experiences contributed to your decision to apply for graduate work? And how have these experiences shaped your view and career goals?

* What has sparked your interest in obtaining an MPA? Specially, why get an MPA at UConn?

Why have you chosen to pursue a graduate degree in public administration? How is our program going to help you reach your goal? What can we offer you to reach your objective? More specifically, is there a specialty area (i.e. concentration) that is of interest to you? Making this link is important because it is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to go. Somehow we fill that void, but each person has specific and unique reasons how and why.

I would highly recommend that you research several MPA programs. If possible, set up a time to meet with me or talk with me over the phone to gain a better understanding of what the UConn MPA program has to offer over other MPA programs. Each MPA program is unique and has a different set of skills and philosophies. It’s important to us that you understand who we are, and what we have to offer. It’s also important to us that we understand what you are seeking to create a good fit with your career goals. Having a mutual understanding will ensure success in our program.

Remember the personal letter is your goal statement - it gives the committee a glimpse of your life and what has made you tick in the past as well as what will motivate you to tick in the future.

Good luck and feel free to contact me if I can answer any questions for you.

Valerie Rogers,
Administrative Programs Director
Phone: 860-570-9343

Email: Valerie.Rogers@UConn.edu