Bradley T. Shipp

Education:
B.A., Global Studies: Security & Justice, University of Virginia, May 2019

Hometown:
Orange, Virginia

Career Interests/Skills:
Project Management, Program Evaluation, Compliance, Intelligence Analysis, National Security and Defense

Agency Rotations:
Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Division of Law Enforcement
Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), GO Virginia and Economic Development

Why did you pursue this opportunity? Why are you drawn to public service?
For me, the Virginia Management Fellowship (VMF) offered insight into government management from both a theoretical and practical, hands-on lens.  In the past 18 months, I have had the opportunity to work with talented folks across three agencies and be engaged with three very different, high-impact initiatives.  There are few opportunities that allow for this type of experience.  I have always been drawn to the altruistic nature of public service, and the stability that working in the public sector has traditionally offered.

If you could offer a piece of advice to students pursuing a career in public service what would it be?
For students pursuing public service, I would not be overly concerned about finding the “right” opportunity immediately out of college.  The process of selecting a major, an area of focus, and producing a thesis over a span of two years can sometimes feel like you are headed down a specialized path where there is a limited amount of relevant entry-level public sector job descriptions that fit your background and expertise.  And yes, while it is true that public sector jobs can be incredibly niche, there are opportunities for you to put your skillsets to use in unexpected ways working in jobs you didn’t expect.

What are your goals after completing this fellowship in June, 2021?
After completing the Virginia Management Fellowship in June, 2021, I am looking forward to furthering my career in public service.

 

“Before the Fellowship” is part of an ongoing series on the VMF blog where current Virginia Management Fellows answer questions related to their educational and career experiences prior to starting the fellowship.

 

Bradley Shipp is a Virginia Management Fellow currently working at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).