Matthew Flanagan completed his undergraduate degree in criminal justice in the summer of 2009, looked at the waning job market and two weeks later enrolled in UNH's Master of Public Administration program in Manchester. He accepted an entry-level position as a security officer with the hope that by the time he finished his degree he would be able to begin a career in the public sector.
"I thought going to graduate school would be an investment in my future, but even before I've finished my degree I've had two promotions," said Flanagan.
Since he began the program, Flanagan has worked for global defense contractor BAE Systems and more recently was offered a mid-level position with Raytheon BBN Technologies. Flanagan credits his UNH graduate degree program for opening the door to these job opportunities that have increasing levels of responsibility.
"While I was researching the career field of industrial security, I realized early on that I would be competing with other more experienced candidates for positions at the next level," Flanagan explained. "Two other co-workers and I were competing for the same job – they had more work experience, but I believe it was the fact that I was earning my master's degree that gave me the edge."
When asked why he chose the program on the Manchester campus, Flanagan said that he had applied at two other local colleges, but it was the friendliness and responsiveness of the staff that made him feel at home at UNH.
"Last year when work relocated me from Merrimack to Boston I didn't even consider changing schools in spite of the fact that I had to commute for class. I really like the small class sizes and access to world class instructors."
Flanagan expects to complete his degree requirements in May of 2012.
The University of New Hampshire Graduate School, Manchester Campus offers post-baccalaureate programs in applied professional fields. Centrally located in Manchester's historic Millyard in the heart of the I-93 corridor, the Graduate School offers the expertise of University of New Hampshire faculty, contemporary curricula, modern educational facilities, convenient access, flexible schedules, and most important, a graduate degree from the University of New Hampshire, the state's flagship public university.
For more information on UNH's Master of Public Administration program, contact Pam Neville at pamela.neville@unh.edu, or attend one of our evening information sessions held on the first Tuesday of the month. Visit www.gradschool.unh.edu/manchester or call (603) 641-4313.
