What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to examine how recent MPA graduates navigate communication in their professional environments, focusing on successes and challenges.

May 10, 2026

Communication in the Workplace: The Experience of MPA Alumni

Key Points

The research aims to examine how recent MPA graduates navigate communication in their professional environments, focusing on successes and challenges.
Conducted qualitative study with 18 MPA alumni through semi-structured interviews.
Explored self-reported communicative successes, challenges, and strategies for addressing miscommunication.
Identified program features that alumni found helpful and areas needing improvement.
Alumni reported varied successes and challenges in workplace communication.
Participants highlighted key skills and strategies used to repair miscommunication.
Alumni expressed the need for better preparation in specific communication aspects related to public affairs.

Abstract

Effective communication is a bedrock for public affairs administrators to achieve the technical and service goals of their organizations, and NASPAA’s Universal Competency 5 (UC5) recognizes the significance of communicative competence. To understand how recent Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduates communicate in their professional positions, the authors conducted a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with 18 MPA alumni. Participants self-reported communicative successes and challenges, skills they used, and strategies for repairing miscommunication. They also identified program features that prepared them well and difficulties for which they wished for better preparation. By engaging with their alumni more systematically, MPA program leaders can ensure they teach the UC5 communication skills in ways that prepare their graduates to respond successfully to evolving public sector workplace demands and beyond.

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