Name: Brendan Sweeney
Where are you from? Ipswich, MA
Where do you currently live (neighborhood/town)? Beverly, MA
Where did you complete your undergraduate degree and what is your degree in? Gordon College – double majored in Political Science and Business Administration
Are you studying full time or part time? Part-time MPA student
Do you have work experience? If so, where/what: I do – I had previously worked in local government as an assistant to the Reading Town Manager, and I currently work at the state level as a Fiscal Policy Analyst for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.
Why did you choose to get your MPA? I chose to get my MPA for the practical skills that I would gain through the curriculum, specifically financial management skills, an understanding of administrative best practices, and knowledge of various organizational management techniques. Additionally, I was drawn to the strong networking opportunities in both state and local government that Suffolk is known for.
What is your ultimate career goal? Ideally, I would like to either return to the local level as a Town/City Manager, or work up to a senior administrative position in the executive branch at the state level.
What has been your favorite part of your graduate experience at Suffolk so far? My favorite part has been the networking opportunities – both with current students and alumni. I have been able to hear about the experiences of those from various professional backgrounds, and it has given me great insight into my current role and my plans for the future.
What advice would you give to incoming SBS grad students? Take advantage of every opportunity that you can to network with other students, learn about different career paths, and find ways to get involved with some of Suffolk’s extracurricular opportunities.
Share a fun fact about yourself: My two biggest hobbies are reading presidential biographies and playing sports. Nowadays, although I still read the biographies, the only sport that I really get to play anymore is slow pitch softball!
Brendan Sweeney, MPA