Alumni Spotlight: Q&A With Noah J. Roenitz

Question: What was your graduation year and degree? 
Answer: I graduated in 2019 with a B.S. in Public Policy and a concentration in Economic Development and Planning.

Q: What has your career path looked like since you graduated from Georgia State University? 
A: Since graduating from the Andrew Young School in 2019, my professional career has existed in large part under the Gold Dome of the state Capitol.

Upon graduating, I took an internship with the Georgia Link Public Affairs Group, working to support their contract lobbying efforts at the Capitol. After finishing the 2020 legislative session, I worked some contract roles with Georgia-based nonprofits while searching for my next step.

I found it in late 2020 with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, where I worked for a year liaising with local governments in the Athens area on COVID-19 recovery and resiliency planning. My work there showed me the value of strong local governments and introduced me to my current employer, the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). At GMA I advocate on behalf of Georgia’s 536 cities under the Gold Dome, which marries my passions of advocacy and advancing strong local government.

Q: What advice do you have for current or prospective Georgia State students?
A: To prospective students, I would recommend GSU for two key reasons — the first being the practical experience you will derive from the teachings. On multiple occasions since my graduation, I’ve been able to speak to and pull from class exercises for professional work. What you will learn will be transferable.

The second reason is the vast array of professional networking and job opportunities that will be afforded to you simply by being in downtown Atlanta. As someone who works to represent all of Georgia’s cities, I’d say opportunity stretches throughout our state, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to start your career or get an education than what you will get by being in our capital city.

To current students, I would recommend you utilize your professors when it comes to finding placements and exploring your academic and, likely, soon-to-be professional passions. I would put GSU’s staff up against any in this state and I would encourage you to utilize their knowledge and expertise to help you find your path.

Article republished from "News From the State Capitol – March 8, 2024” with the permission of Georgia State University’s Office of Government and Community Affairs. Text provided by Noah Roenitz.