A few experiences influenced my decision to apply for the MPA program at University of Illinois-Springfield. They included:
- Volunteering in the Micah program at Saint Louis University
- Working as an intern for The Mission Continues in Spring 2010
- My university's mission to create service leaders and my subsequent education
I have really enjoyed the program so far. However, after the spring semester ended, I was itching to do more than work in governments and non-profits in the future. I couldn't see myself enjoying the 9-5 of government work and felt my calling in non-profits was going in a different direction. In June of this year, I took on a few clients as a freelancer and, thus, found my passion. I decided I wanted to work as a freelance writer and social media manager as a career.
It has been slow going not only because of my MPA workload, but learning the nuances of the freelancing profession takes time to master. Freelancers are their own bosses, but they still have to manage finances like an accountant, market like a public relations officer, and get creative like an artist. Even with all the learning I must do as a freelancer, I have found time to gear my education in the MPA program to helping with my freelancing business.
How, you ask?
1. The mission of my work isn't to make money or become "the best" in my profession. Like others studying public administration, I have geared my freelancing towards service.
2. I still hope to achieve some level of success through working with non-profits in the St. Louis area, but on a contractual rather than full-time or part-time basis. Did you know hiring freelancers actually brings a number of perks to businesses and non-profits alike?
3. Through my freelancing business, I hope to educate others on the advantages of contractual workers and, perhaps, help in a movement to gear some government work to be contracted out to small business owners like myself. That isn't to say huge programs like the Department of Education require a freelancer's touch. However, government on a local level could benefit from outsourcing some of its work to to freelancers like me because it frees up their time and still results in high-quality work.
My descent into the madness that is freelancing sets me apart as an MPA student because I am not pursuing the traditional degree in marketing, communications or business administration. The MPA gives me an edge as a freelancer and allows me to find a new niche market in which I can work. Call me crazy, but becoming a freelancing professional with a Masters in Public Administration is the right choice for me!
