What I wish I did in undergrad to prepare me a career in public policy

Sometimes when I think about undergrad, there are courses I wish I had done or skills I obtained. If you are in undergrad and you are thinking of going to graduate school to have a career in public policy, here are a few tips for you.  

Get involved in research

One of the major projects to graduate for SIPA is a capstone project. These are consultancy projects done in groups up to 8 people. Think of them as large group projects.

I wish before I started my consultancy project that I had more experience in knowing how to start my own research from ground zero. Gather all the data myself and apply it in a team. This is what I am getting out of my consultancy project, but I definitely wish I knew more!

These days I see my friends still in undergrad completing their theses or honors projects. If your are in undergrad, I would highly suggest completing a project like this. It will help in your job search post SIPA, give you research experience, and also you will have a great writing sample to share.

Take data analysis or economics or coding

While you are SIPA you are required to take microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative analysis. Depending on what program you apply for, having a strong quantitative background could set you apart from other applicants, especially if that program is STEM designated – like the MPA program.

In general, having a quantitative background is super helpful in understanding the nuances of policy. In addition to the core coursework, many internships and job opportunities in policy analysis, consulting, or public sector roles might specifically ask for these quantitative skills. Having proficiency in data analysis tools, coding languages (like Python, R, or SQL), or statistical methods will allow you to demonstrate your ability to work with data-driven decision-making processes.

A solid grasp of these subjects will not only make you more marketable but also allow you to better understand the economic underpinnings of policy decisions, ensuring you're equipped to tackle issues from a well-rounded and informed perspective.

Learn a new language (Spanish or French)

Depending on where you want to work, another language might not only be valuable but a requirement to work. For example, I want to work for my government, but I need to have a fluency in French. If I want to work for international organizations like the United Nations, the OECD or ILO, having a fluency in French is also helpful.

This summer I worked in direct services, where my knowledge of Spanish was helpful to understand what the community needed. However, I am still not fluent in French and Spanish, so I wish I spent my undergrad training myself in these essential skills.

Know your "why"

The average SIPA student is coming with about 3-4 years of full-time work experience so while coming from undergrad doesn't put you at a disadvantage, you'll want to focus on crafting your application to highlight all the other wonderful aspects a bit deeper. The admissions committee will be looking for you to share "why now"; why do you want to pursue this program now rather than gain a few years of work experience? I highly recommend spending time on thinking about your why a bit deeper and sharing during your personal essay :).

While waiting for the Fall 2026 application to open up this summer, I hope this blog can be helpful with preparing your application for the future!