Lauredan Official – a Master of Public Administration (MPA) student – was elected to be a part of the nineteenth class of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program for the 2023-2024 year.
In this position, Official has been granted the opportunity to work under the supervision of the Office of the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, as well as the Office of Construction, Communications, Planning, and more.
“I’ve learned valuable information about the governing bodies and processes of the Florida legislature, concentrating on transportation policy and development, as well as governmental infrastructure projects, work programs, and budgeting processes as a Florida Gubernatorial Fellow,” Official said. “The experience has been unparalleled in preparing me for a career in public administration, showing me the behind-the-scenes of government planning and projects.”
After graduation, Official hopes to continue this trend of involvement in the legislative bodies of transportation, crediting his experiences in his degree and internship involvements for providing him with the background necessary to excel in his field.
Official’s career in public service is driven by his “desire to tackle some of the most pressing challenges with a robust and well-founded approach.”
Official’s time spent at Florida State University has provided him with many learning and leadership experiences. Outside of his internship, Official dived further into the world of transportation policy, building his capstone project around the recruitment strategies of the Florida Department of Transportation to analyze and improve the framework for hiring officials.
Official credits the successes that he has accomplished in his career thus far to the education he’s received in FSU’s Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy.
“Additionally, I chose Florida State University for my Master of Public Administration because it’s the preeminent MPA program in Florida, offering not only academic excellence but also unique access to Tallahassee’s bustling governmental scene,” said Official. “FSU’s location is ideal; it is situated in the state capital, allowing me to immerse myself in the practical aspects of public administration through direct experience with the capital, legislative sessions, an innovative city commission, and the main offices of several state agencies.”
To learn about Florida State University’s Master of Public Administration program and the Askew School, click here.