Student and Alumni Resources

Experiential Learning

The Hobby School hosts a variety of programs for UH students from various academic disciplines seeking mission-oriented opportunities, including internships in Houston, Austin and Washington, D.C., a leadership development program with a national network, and a collaborative initiative emphasizing nonprofit program research and data analysis.

Hobby School Student and Alumni Organizations

Hobby School Registered Student Organization

The Hobby School registered student organization is focused on building membership and community. Since the kickoff of the student-led group in the fall of 2024, members have connected with peers and networked through co-curricular and social activities. The officers of the new organization, Danielle Guevara, Zahra Imam and Angel Leon, wanted an avenue to foster engagement and growth for students who shared a passion for public service.  

As one of the organizers, Imam says the organization empowers students through information sharing and connections, promoting confidence and setting a strong foundation for impactful careers.

"This experience has deeply enriched my time at the Hobby School, said Imam. "It has provided opportunities to develop leadership skills and work closely with like-minded peers and faculty. It's given me a new perspective on creating impactful change and a supportive, professional environment."

The group recruits University of Houston students from various academic disciplines and classifications who are interested in strong camaraderie within the Hobby School. Learn more and follow the student organization on Instagram. For more information on other UH student organizations, visit the Get Involved page.

Hobby School Student Advisory Councils

The Hobby School encourages input from the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Advisory Councils to enrich the student experience. Faculty and administrators help identify candidates with recognized leadership qualities and sound academic standing for membership in the group. They meet twice a semester with the school's deans, program directors and student-facing staff members to provide insights and pose questions in open discussions aimed at increasing student engagement, building community and positioning students for success both inside and outside the classroom.
As a member of the council, public policy major Dulce Otero offers recommendations that reflect the undergraduate perspective.

"This role enhances my experience at the Hobby School by allowing me to collaborate with faculty, staff and fellow students to make a tangible impact in our school community. Serving on the student advisory council has deepened my connection with the Hobby School and enabled me to engage with others who share my passion for public policy," said Otero.

For Master of Public Administration candidate Fatimah El-Ibrahim, the Graduate Student Advisory Council has strengthened her commitment to public service.

"I've learned the importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives in addressing complex issues. I hope to continue developing meaningful connections and driving impactful change." 

Hobby School Alumni Association

The Hobby School Alumni Association is a broad network of practitioners, mentors and civic leaders who embody the Hobby School's mission in their professions and community. The alumni association board organizes local community service events, social gatherings and professional development opportunities, and invites the broader Hobby School community, including current students, staff and faculty, to attend its meetings and functions.

Leonard Chan (MPA ‘09) leads the alumni group, amplifying momentum since the Master of Public Administration Alumni Association and Hobby School Alumni Association merged into one alumni community in the fall of 2023. The other officers include Vice President Ana Silbas (MPP ‘22), Treasurer Katie Hassett (MPA ‘12), Secretary Chaveli Solis (MPA ‘22) and Communications Officer Laura Parker (MPP/MSW ‘19).

"Through the alumni board, I can support the school's mission, strengthen its impact and guide initiatives that align with my values, such as community engagement and education, said Parker. "It offers me a chance to give back to the community that helped me grow while leveraging my experience in public service and social work to contribute to the school's continued success."

Stay informed about opportunities to engage by following the association on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Global Honor Society

Pi Alpha Alpha is the global honor society for public affairs and administration. Student scholars exemplify the high academic standards and commitment to public service that symbolize the organization's mission. The association's members benefit from its vast network and professional opportunities. The spring of 2025 marks the fifteenth cohort of Pi Alpha Alpha members at the Hobby School, consisting of public policy undergraduates and Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy candidates: Christopher Burbridge, Sana Dadabhoy, Aenya Fike, Jason Frederick, Ideal Hernandez, Zahra Imam and Cullen Watkins.

Pi Alpha Alpha

The minimum requirements for induction for graduate students are to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or above and complete more than 50% of the coursework. The minimum requirements for induction for undergraduate students are to maintain a GPA of 3.7 or higher and complete at least 70% of the coursework, including 15 hours of major-specific coursework.

Student and Alumni Spotlights

The reputation of the Hobby School as a thriving resource for public affairs education, innovative research and civic engagement is evident in its students and alumni who are active in their communities and workplaces.

Opportunities Along the Career Path  

Former Civic Houston Intern Wendy Novoa leveraged her experience in the office of Houston City Council Member Mario Castillo into a part-time position as a constituent engagement coordinator.

Wendy

In her new role, Novoa will continue to serve residents in District H neighborhoods, planning and executing events such as town halls, resource fairs and community distributions. The first-generation student, who is studying political science and sociology, attributes her Civic Houston Intern assignments in city and state government to growing her passion for public service. She works under the leadership and mentorship of Russell Etherton, a former Civic Houston Intern and champion of investing in the next generation of public service professionals.  

"Interning with Council Member Castillo showed me that public service takes dedication, consistency and a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people often don't see," said Novoa. "Every person in the office, including the interns, plays a role that helps the team serve the community, no matter how small the task. Whether it's resolving a service request or helping organize an event, I've seen how these efforts truly make a difference." 

Read about the emerging leaders and professionals making a difference across various industries and sectors in the latest special edition of the newsletter.

Professional Resources

UH University Career Services: University Career Services is a full-service career center offering UH students and alumni resources and assistance at every step of their career journeys, from job searches and job fairs to resume building and mock interviews.

Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM): An individual and institutional membership organization dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering excellence in research, analysis and education.

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA): A nonprofit membership organization of graduate education programs in public policy, public affairs, public administration and nonprofit management.

ICMA: ICMA is the world's leading association of professional city and county managers and other professionals who serve local governments.

GovernmentJobs.com: Search for and apply to government roles at all levels using one of the largest public sector job boards in the nation.

International City/County Management Association: Search locate job opportunities with city and county governments.

Opportunities in Public Affairs: Search for legislative, public affairs and public relations jobs in the nation's capital.

PublicServiceCareers.org: Search for jobs and internships, career advice, and information on degrees in public service and public affairs.

Big Data Internships and Employment: Tips to find and make the most out of a big data-related internship.

USAJobs.gov: Search for jobs in the federal government.