Evan Mastroianni
City of Springfield Office of Economic Development and Planning
Hometown: Springfield, MA
Degree and graduation year: MPPA, 2024
Where I interned: City of Springfield Office of Economic Development and Planning
What I did there: As a part of the economic development team, I am responsible for attracting and assisting business and economic opportunities for the city and its community. The most important thing I am learning:I think the most important aspect of this internship that I have learned is the ability to adapt and not be afraid to lean on others for success.
The most challenging part of my internship: I have oftentimes found myself being in situations that were not exactly planned or were dealing with matters I was well-versed in so to know that I was a part of a team that I could lean on to help me adapt or meet those challenges has made this a truly hands-on experience.
What surprised me the most: I think that the most surprising part of this internship has been the impact I feel as though I have been able to have as an intern. Going into this experience, I had originally thought this internship was going to be one in which I would be simply watching and listening to my peers, but my team has done a really amazing job making me feel as though I am not just an intern, but as a member of the team itself.
Why I’m studying public policy: I went into the public policy space for the plain and simple reason that I want to be able to effect change in my community. For me, being able to give back to a community of people and provide individuals of those communities, regardless of who they are, with pathways to achieve whatever their heats desire is.
Future plans: I still have one more year left until I finish the MPPA program but I hope that come graduation next May, I will be continuing to work in the economic development/planning space either at my current internship or for another municipality/organization.