NIU MPA MENTOR PROGRAM
We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.
Winston Churchill
The Northern Illinois University Public Administration Board of Advisors established a program in January, 2010 with a simple mission: support, educate, guide – MENTOR students. The NIU Mentoring Program was established to offer full and part-time NIU MPA students an opportunity to communicate with professionals to discuss career aspirations, work initiatives, and other professional matters. This program has been extremely well received and has benefited both the students and the professional volunteers. Each interested participant must complete a profile available below. Applications are reviewed by the NIU MPA Mentoring Committee and matches are established based on the students’ career aspirations, interests, location, and other factors.
Mentors must be employed in a field within a concentration of the MPA program including public management, fiscal administration, and nonprofit management.
Mentors should communicate with their protégé on a regular basis and meet no less than quarterly. Participants have communicated via email and telephone, met for lunch and other meals, and attended professional programs together.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the NIU MPA graduate school as one of the best universities in the country for city management and public finance with a focus on developing core competencies in budgeting and financial management, personnel management, decision making, communications, leadership, and teamwork. The NIU mentoring program is one component which enhances the quality education that NIU MPA students receive. Be part of this excellent opportunity to help make a difference in the life of a graduate student, to learn from each other, and to support a worthwhile program and one of the finest educational institutions in the nation!
If you have any questions about the program, contact Committee Co-Chairs:
Ghida Neukirch - gneukirch@vbg.org
Heidi Voorhees - hvoorhees@voorheesassociates.com
