Hoping to learn more about the MPA/ID Program?
By Sarah Olia, Director of the Master in Public Administration in International Development Program
As a Harvard Kennedy School student, you’ll have access to a wide variety of resources. One such resource is the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program team.
In the Q&A below, Director of the MPA/ID Program Sarah Olia discusses the MPA/ID Program and its offerings. In her role, she works to ensure MPA/ID students have a positive experience, collaborating closely with MPA/ID Faculty Chair Eliana La Ferrara and the MPA/ID core faculty, along with other members of the Degree Programs & Student Affairs team on projects that span HKS.
What does the MPA/ID Program team do?
The MPA/ID Program team works to cultivate and sustain a strong community of students and alumni that supports learning, collaboration, and professional development. MPA/ID Program Assistant Director Erin Meade and I put a lot of effort into planning a well coordinated and intentional academic experience. Most of the MPA/ID student body is international, so we place a huge importance on helping students get a smooth start. Both Erin and I have lived abroad many times, so we know how hard it can be to learn where to buy groceries or how to dress appropriately for a new climate, so we help MPA/IDs figure all these things out!
In addition, we run a three-week required Math Seminar (commonly known as Math Camp) for all incoming MPA/IDs, match new students with continuing student mentors, help connect students with summer internship opportunities, and facilitate opportunities for students to get in touch with MPA/ID alumni for career guidance. In summary, we are the homebase for our students, and it’s very gratifying to play a role in preparing the next generation of leaders in international development from our corner of HKS.
What is your favorite part of working on the MPA/ID team?
I love being part of a team that works directly with students. In addition to that, I enjoy building relationships with students across the full arc of their HKS experience. I am often one of the first people students meet when they email us as prospective applicants. Then, I help people navigate the application process, and for those who are admitted, I become their academic advisor when they enroll in the program. After students graduate, it is exciting to follow their careers when they leave HKS and go out into the world to put their training to use.
“The MPA/ID Program team works to cultivate and sustain a strong community of students and alumni that supports learning, collaboration, and professional development.”
Sarah Olia, Director of the Master in Public Administration in International Development Program
How do students connect with you?
MPA/ID students know they can stop by our office and see us any time. Sometimes students pop in to say hi and ask a quick question, but other times we spend a while talking through the implications of a decision, brainstorming ways to solve a problem they’ve encountered, or celebrating good news like an internship offer. We host events to bring students together at key times during the program. MPA/ID students work hard, so we make sure to celebrate milestones such as finishing midterm exams or the last day of classes in a semester. I also communicate with students via email and do my best to proactively make sure everyone has the information they need at exactly the right time.
What advice do you have for students considering HKS?
When I speak with students who are considering HKS, and specifically the MPA/ID Program, I advise them to ask a lot of questions and really take the time to understand the program. Read through the MPA/ID core course syllabi that are posted on our website to make sure the material we teach is attractive and relevant to you. Look at what MPA/ID alumni are doing and think about how well their careers align with your own goals. Never hesitate to reach out to us by email if there is anything we can clarify for you. Finding the right fit is very important in graduate school, and we’re here to help.
What is you favorite HKS memory?
A few years ago President of Moldova Maia Sandu delivered the graduation address to HKS students. Since I had been a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova (2006–2008), I was invited to attend a special lunch with her during her visit. Having the chance to meet someone like her—from a place that is relatively unknown but very significant to me—will always be one of my favorite HKS memories.
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