Each student should write and submit an essay (between 2000 and 3000 words) to the Professional Development Essay Dropbox in This essay should demonstrate cross cutting professional development abilities that are important to public service including course integration (in Course Integration Dropbox), leadership skills (e.g., directing a program), applications (e.g., reviewing a budget), ethics and professional standards (e.g., attending a webinar on ethics in the workplace), public service (e.g., employment in governmental or nonprofit organizations), professional growth and continuing education (e.g., enrolling in a Texas Certified Public Manager Program). These abilities will primarily be cultivated in the MPA courses. Other abilities may require additional efforts or taking advantage of opportunities beyond coursework.