SPAA Graduate Profile: Jianer Mao (BA'21)

Full Name: Jianer Mao
Age: 23
Hometown: China
SPAA Degree: Bachelor’s Degree (May 2021)
Current Position: PhD student at University of Illinois Chicago

Why did you enroll at SPAA?
Rutgers SPAA is well known in public administration as a place where students can learn and communicate with many excellent scholars in public administration, and the academic resources in the school are very rich. Moreover, SPAA's professors and students have diverse academic backgrounds, which facilitated my study of public administration from a more holistic perspective.

What do you hope to accomplish with your degree?
I thoroughly enjoyed my study life at SPAA and have a special interest in public finance. After getting my bachelor’s degree from SPAA, I enrolled in Northwestern University and got my master’s degree. Now, I have started my PhD journey at University of Illinois Chicago. I hope that by continuing to study public administration, I can conduct my own research in the future.

Favorite SPAA memory?
My favorite memory is that SPAA is always a warm academic family to me. The teachers are humble and easy-going, the students are active and friendly, and I had a good platform for learning and cooperation. At the same time, SPAA also has a wealth of after-school activities, which enriched my school life.

Biggest challenge(s)?
As an international student, I spent more time in the beginning to gain a deep understanding of the U.S. political structure and how the government works. Learning new things is both challenging and fun, and it has been very helpful for my studies in public administration.

Next steps?
My next step is to complete my PhD and do research on public budgeting and finance.

Advice to incoming students? 
SPAA is definitely a good place for you to study and explore in public administration, and there will be unexpected surprises here. Study hard and play hard, and you will enjoy your life in SPAA.