"Skills that I learned and gained in graduate school, I’ve used in the private sector as well as in the public sector. That includes quantitative analysis and strong writing skills, as well as the ability to interpret data and research findings and then translate them from academia into more plain language – this makes research and learning accessible across different audiences."

The two transferable skills that the La Follette School trained me to embrace revolve around writing and data.

The rigorous nature of the school and the natural competition with students taught me what it would take to succeed and make a difference in a professional environment.

On a near daily basis, I am in meetings that relate to a real-world version of grad school group work. Whether it is assisting in development of a new citywide housing policy, compiling information on digital innovations, or coming up with ideas for #cityhallselfie day, much of the work I’m engaged in involves a deep level of communication and collaboration.

At the La Follette School, I learned how to work with and manage large data sets and manipulate them with statistics. I use those skills every day.

The most rewarding aspect of my current position is constituent casework. ... In my opinion, assisting constituents with these issues defines what it means to be a public servant and to work in public affairs.

Professor David Weimer trained me well on how to write an effective memo, QUICKLY!

Having served at the federal, state, county, and local level, I’m living proof that a La Follette School education can literally prepare you for almost any career field in government.

Karl Scholz was instrumental in opening up the possibility of me of getting a PhD and thinking about the best kind of program given my interests. I loved my coursework and learning at La Follette.

As someone who hires many different policy and budgeting positions for the state, we look for applicants that have the skills taught at La Follette.