MPA Personal Statement of Purpose

Sample of the Personal Statement for the MPA Degree

My ambition to contribute to the United States Navy, and most importantly the sailors, many of whom I have served alongside, has resulted in this application to complete a master's degree in public administration. I was selected as one of eight Naval Officer’s across the fleet to represent the Navy as a Fleet Scholar. We are given the opportunity to serve as a military ambassador to academia, selecting our own field and the university to which we apply. After extensive research and reflection, I have decided that the MPA Degree would provide me with the most to contribute to my organization. I especially look forward to developing my leadership as well as administrative skills as a result of earning the MPA.  

My father was a pilot for the Vietnamese Air Force, fighting alongside the United States in the Vietnam war. I see my father as noble and a true patriot, fighting and offering his life to keep his people free of communist tyranny. I barely remember Vietnam since we came to the USA when the US military pulled out. I was 5 years old. From that time forward, I have pursued the American dream, thankful to America for providing me and my family with a new home. 

I especially enjoy the Navy as a vehicle for giving back to my adopted country. I enlisted in the United States Navy in 2013, serving for the first four years as a junior enlisted Information Systems Technician for Commander Carrier Strike Group TWELVE, where I managed 12 communication circuits and eighty user accounts across four network domains. The command consisted of over 80 Sailors, many of which were mid-career level Officers and Senior Enlisted. As the most junior personnel, I was exposed to and studied many different leadership styles. Through meticulous observation of everyday operations, I took notes and recorded details on the leadership, management, and administration methods; and the extent to which they were successful and why. Now a commissioned officer, I look forward to career military service in the Navy, caring for, educating, and leading our sailors. Over the course of the last eight years, I strive daily to improve and perfect my ability to lead. As I checked onboard the USS Portland and assumed the responsibility of a Division Officer, I was given the opportunity to lead the Main Propulsion Division, a hard-working and dedicated team of 45 Sailors.

MPA Statement of Purpose Editing Service

During my time leading the Main Propulsion Division, I learned many of the intricacies of front-line leadership. Personally responsible for the well-being of each one of my Sailors, we were responsible for balancing the divisional workload, commander’s mission requirements, and the overall health and well-being of the Division. The greatest lessons I have learned so far have resulted from failure. Initially, as a Division Officer, you strive to please your Sailors, working every feasible angle, for example, to get the Sailors home to their families while pier side. However, I quickly learned that tasks and requirements begin to accumulate and that any failure in discipline can quickly cause problems. Thereafter, I endeavored to strike a better balance between crew morale and performance. I established a thorough planning and preparation plan of action memorandum, tracking milestones and daily requirements closely. I communicated the current mission and objective to my Sailors every day. We worked together to complete all tasks before going home to our families. We all felt pride in our work, to complete the requirements for the ship to get underway and to complete its mission.  

My career aspiration is to one day take Command of a United States Naval Warship. Earning the MPH Degree will enhance my chances of achieving this central goal. The Commanding Officer is completely responsible for everything and everyone onboard. This includes war fighting, equipment readiness, and, most importantly, the lives of the sailors. These responsibilities require effective leadership, persuasive communication, analytical and critical thinking skills. I believe that the MPA would have an incredibly positive impact on my ability to enhance these skills required to become a Commanding Officer. I seek to hone my abilities, therefore, to effectively communicate with our sailors, organize daily tasks, keep records, and manage professional development for the Division. Soon, we will be reaching our next milestone in the choosing of Department Heads.

The Department Head oversees multiple Divisions including several Division Officers and they are the cornerstones of a successful Commanding Officer’s quorum of expertise. They specialize in several specific warfare areas and manage a department of around 50-80 Sailors. Among those that complete a successful Department Head tour, a few are selected to become an Executive Officer, the Senior Primary advisor to the Commanding Officer responsible for the strict and meticulous completion of daily operations for the ship, material readiness, overall cleanliness, and the enforcement of all rules and regulations.

With the recommendation of the Commanding Officer and the completion of a successful tour, the Executive Officer is often afforded the opportunity to take command of a Naval Warship as the Commanding Officer. Although the tours vary in difficulty, time, and seniority, they all require one unmistakable trait for success: leadership, the key ingredient to effective advancement through the ranks. 

After reviewing the Public Administration curriculum, I believe that it would directly improve my skills in Leadership, personnel management, and as well as improving my understanding of Government operations. As a result of my success as a Division Officer, I was selected as a distinguished Naval Fleet Scholar; and will now be given the opportunity to earn my master's degree in a subject that will benefit my career and the US Navy as a whole.

Thank you for considering my application. 

MPA Personal Statement of Purpose