LBJ Alumni Share Career Advice with New Students

The LBJ School Office of Career Services launched Orientation Week on August 21 with an alumni panel discussion and luncheon on career options for public affairs professionals. Moderated and organized by Career Services Director Debra Dzwonczyk, the panel discussion was designed to give first-year LBJ students an opportunity to consider career possibilities before launching their graduate studies. "LBJ alumni are a great help to students in sorting out options for a career in public affairs," said Dzwonczyk.

The panel consisted of four LBJ graduates of diverse professional backgrounds. Laura Barrientos (Class of '96) is a Vice President/Senior Analyst for Moody's Investors Service in Dallas; Greg Montes (Class of '95) is employed at the Public Works Office of the city of Phoenix, Arizona; Mike Reyna (Class of '82) is the Chairman of the Farm Credit Administration Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Farm Credit Administration; and Kristen Vassallo (Class of '97) is the Chief of Staff for Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.

In addition to sharing their professional experiences, panelists discussed the growing influence of cities and states in the global economy and the need for public affairs professionals with innovative management skills and international experience. They also compared private and public sector employment, emphasizing the tangible rewards of policymaking on the local level.

Reyna, who was one of two class members who had secured employment on graduation day in 1982, commented that public affairs professionals have created an employment niche over the years and have more opportunities in the present economy than when he graduated. While this trend is partially due to the changing role of the public sector, Dzwonczyk attributes the improvement to the efforts and support of the LBJ Alumni Association. "The loyalty of our alumni to the School has been essential in helping students and graduates develop rich networks for careers in public affairs," commented Dzwonczyk.

August 24, 2000

News and Events • Fall 2000 News Briefs

©2000 Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
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August 30, 2000

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