Joceline Nahigian

Thanks to the program, I feel more confident pursuing positions of more responsibility knowing that I can meet the challenge.

Joceline Nahigian describes herself as “one of those people who really want to make a difference.” She decided that public service with the U.S. Department of Energy was her way of having the most impact. To increase her effectiveness even more, Nahigian enrolled in UVA’s graduate Certificate in Public Administration.

Nahigian chose UVA for a number of reasons. As a Virginia resident, she found it both affordable and flexible, critical considerations for a working mother of two elementary-school-age boys—and the online format meant that it wouldn’t interfere with her job commitments. She also liked the curriculum, which she felt would provide the broad foundation she needed—in topics that included organizational management, policy, and budgeting—to become a more well-rounded public servant. The program has fulfilled her expectations, thanks in part to the professionalism and expertise of the faculty. “The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to making sure that students get the most out of the courses they teach,” she says. “Thanks to the program, I feel more confident pursuing positions of more responsibility knowing that I can meet the challenge.”