Make the most of your UCF experience by gaining experience both in and out of the classroom. From professional development opportunities to special events and student associations, there are a variety of opportunities to get involved on campus and within your program of study.
Career Resources
At the School of Public Administration, we are dedicated to your success. We can prepare you for the job market through mock interviews, resume refinement and editing cover letters.
UCF Job Shadow Program
The UCF Job Shadow Program pairs Knights with employer and alumni partners to facilitate a one to five day job shadow experience. Learn about a particular career or industry, gain workplace experience and build your professional network.
Visit UCF Career Services for more professional development opportunities.
American Society for Public Administration
The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is the largest and most prominent broadly based professional association in American public administration. It has a diverse membership of approximately 8,000 practitioners, academicians and students. ASPA serves as the principal arena for linking theory and practice within the field of public administration.
Hear from a UCF student member of ASPA.
Connect with Central Florida Chapter ASPA on Facebook.
Student Organizations
Emergency Management Student Association
Students interested in emergency and crisis management should consider connecting with EMSA. In the past, the group has hosted guest speakers from the field, and has participated in emergency exercises.
Email: presidentucfemsa@gmail.com
International City/County Management Association
This is the student chapter of the national organization, ICMA. Our student chapter strives to create excellence in local governance by developing students into public sector professionals.
Email: icmaucf@gmail.com
Nonprofit Knights
The Nonprofit Knights is an umbrella organization for the Nonprofit Management Student Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Students interested in careers in the nonprofit sector, or fundraising and development are welcome to join the group.
Email: nonprofitknights@gmail.com
Organization for Public Administration
OPA is open to all public administration students and provides an environment for students to connect with each other. The group also offers networking opportunities and events as well as information related to jobs and internships. OPA also takes a trip to Tallahassee each year to visit the state capitol.
Email: opa.knights.ucf@gmail.com
Urban Knights
The Urban Knights are passionate about urban planning, and they strive to connect students with professionals in the field. They host technical skills workshops throughout the year along with a networking reception prior to each Urban and Regional Planning Distinguished Lecture Series event.
Email: urbanknights3@gmail.com
We offer a variety of opportunities to get involved on campus.
Events
Throughout the academic year, the School of Public Administration and the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management host and participate in several events for students, faculty and the community.
Central Florida Community Partners Nonprofit Conference
This annual conference brings together nonprofit professionals from across Central Florida for networking and professional development.
Public Administration Research Conference
Hosted by the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management, the conference brings together both academics and practitioners who can share innovative ideas and spark an engaging discussion pertaining to the field of public administration.
Eminent Scholar Lecture Series
Hosted by the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management, the series brings prominent scholars to UCF to deliver lectures on topics related to the scholar’s research to expand dialogue among faculty, students and community members.
Urban and Regional Planning Distinguished Lecture Series
Hear from a distinguished professional from the field of urban and planning as well as a panel of experts.
Public Service Career Showcase
Network with professionals from local nonprofits and government agencies, and learn about open job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Public Service Recognition Week
Celebrate public service professionals, including our alumni, at our annual Public Service Recognition Week celebration.
Coffee With a Professor
Join Professor Staci Zavattaro, and your fellow Knights, for coffee and conversation.