MPA Graduate Student, Jessica Watson, wins NASPAA Simulation Competition
NAU’s Department of Politics and International Affairs Master of Public Administration Program recently sent graduate students Halley McIntyre and Jessica Watson to compete in the global Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration’s Student Simulation (NASPAA) Competition in Denver. The purpose of the simulation is to bring together students, across the globe, to tackle real-life public sector problems. This year’s focus was on the management of wildlife fires, and Jessica Watson was part of the winning simulation team. Watson’s team not only won the NASPAA Simulation, but also won 1st place in the Simulation Competition in the Global Super Judge Round! Looking back at the simulation, Jessica Watson stated the simulation helped her understand that solutions require great compromise and communication, and when you are striving to put your community first you have to put your personal interests aside. She recommends future participants should take advantage of networking with other students, because learning about each other’s goals and education helps with the delegation of tasks.
