Which Academic Program is Right for You?

Hometown: Dublin, OH
Email: scher401@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Political Science, Miami University

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…a recruiter for a consulting firm based in Chicago

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…the diverse opportunities offered through the MDP degree was what I wanted in a grad program.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…of the multidisciplinary approach and diverse student body.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…open and free for debate!

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…run around the lakes in Uptown.

After graduation, I plan to…work in development, with a goal of working specifically in corporate social responsibility.

The impact I hope to make is…to get groups working together in collaborative efforts.

Want to connect and learn more about J.B.’s Humphrey experience? Email J.B. now.

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: karki012@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: International Studies Emphasis on Development, Minnesota State University - Moorhead

My internship was...working with New American Refugees settling in Fargo-Moorhead area.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because...I am interested in International Development and Humphrey is one of the best schools for this program. There are many learning opportunities that will make me capable of  working for the greater good.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because...MDP is a very inter-disciplinary program compared to others and I got funding opportunities here. It's normally very hard for international students to get funding. Humphrey was also my first choice when I came to visit before applying. I fell in love with the school.

My greatest success as a student here has been...learning new things everyday and being certain these two years will be the best two years of my life

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is...diversity and there is always lots of fun things happening.

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are...visiting sculptor garden,  just going around downtown, eating at lots of ethnic restaurants, visiting museums, enjoying the lakes near Uptown area.

After graduation, I plan to...work in the international field as a Development Practitioner.

The impact I hope to make is...women empowerment in developing countries.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is...Grad school generally is one of the last educational degrees for most of the people and if you are looking for making this one of the best learning years then it is worth considering Humphrey as Grad school. It's a big school yet there is the caring environment for students at school. The program I feel is very geared towards providing students the career opportunities they want to after graduation. We have diverse students and accommodating expert faculty.  Minneapolis is affordable to live in too compared to other big cities.

Want to connect and learn more about Bibhusha’s Humphrey experience? Email Bibhusha now.

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, PA
Email: muell.kayla@gmail.com
Undergraduate Program: International Studies and Spanish with a minor in Economics, Arcadia University

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…Humphrey has a great selection of resources and the culture at the Humphrey as well as the U as a whole is one of cooperation and assistance. After a semester in Ecuador and some field studies in Mexico and Costa Rica I knew development studies was the field I wanted to go into.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…It offers a unique approach in development by helping students gain an interdisciplinary perspective. The field study seems to be an integral piece in order to get your feet on the ground and experience the world of development in ways that other universities don’t offer. The Humphrey faculty have always seemed welcoming and willing to meet and go the extra mile to ensure that every student has their questions and concerns met.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…one of collaboration and opennes.  I don’t feel that there’s any student, professor or staff member that I can’t talk to. I’ve experienced many professors (that I don’t even have class with) who have sat down with me to discuss my interests.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is…the bus system is great so the entire city is at your fingertips, and there’s a great mix of cultures within the TC.

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…walks around lakes, go out to eat at restaurants of different cultures, go to cafe’s with live music, etc.

After graduation, I plan to…find a job in an organization where I can work on evaluation of international development projects.

The impact I hope to make is…I want to help make development-focused organizations more efficient and help them to address the needs of communities in the smartest approach possible.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…If you’re looking for a University where students, professors and staff members collaborate to ensure the best experience possible, this is your place. There’s never  a sense of competition between anyone, we’re all in alignment with working together for the common good and a better understanding of the world around us.

Want to connect and learn more about Kayla’s Humphrey experience? Email Kayla now.

Hometown: Lancaster, CA
Email: veneg008@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Sociology and Russian, Dartmouth College

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…an environmental consultant and a Peace Corps volunteer.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…they offered the very particular degree I was interested in (MDP), facilitated my ability to visit during the spring visit, fosters a sense of working together and accomplishing goals together (instead of individual competitiveness), and offer a wealth of opportunities to get useful experience.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…very collaborative and non-competitive.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is…wealth of opportunities available.

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…eat and go to live music.

After graduation, I plan to…find a job abroad in international development.

The impact I hope to make is…effectively enable change.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…everyone wants you succeed, including your classmates.

Want to connect and learn more about Tatyana’s Humphrey experience? Email Tatyana now.

Hometown: Okabena, MN
Email: place009@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Applied Plant Science, University of Minnesota

My internships were…working with agricultural and environmental issues in the office of Governor Dayton and interning with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…interning at the National Farmers Union on the government relations team in Washington, DC.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…I am interested in the nexus between ag. and the environment. I knew I would need a stronger background and education in policy, and the Humphrey School was the obvious choice.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…I am still able to get an MS. This was important to me because I wanted to remain focused in science, while getting the experience I need in policy.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…collaborative. Everyone at the school is willing to discuss policy ideas. Working with your peers is encouraged. The professors will make time to talk with students. The Humphrey School has a very open learning environment that promotes much dialogue across the programs and student body.

My favorite Humphrey lecture/discussion/event has been…when Lisa Jackson, the EPA Administrator came to discuss environmental policy.

My greatest success as a student here has been…getting through the quantitative statistical curriculum! Before coming to the Humphrey I had basically no experience in statistics, so it was a challenge for me, but a very rewarding experience.

My favorite thing to do in the Twin Cities is…taking advantage of the theater scene. There are a ton of companies and venues that are doing great things.

After graduation, I plan to…work in some capacity with agricultural and environmental policy. I really want to work on developing policies that protect our natural resources while maintaining a thriving agricultural economy.

The impact I hope to make is…improving agricultural practices in a way that benefits the environment and therefore the public while still protecting the agriculture sector.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…come check it out! There are many opportunities for you to find out more. When I was considering the Humphrey, I attended informational sessions, talked to current students, and visited with faculty members. Everyone was very accommodating and honest about the school. Find out what opportunities Humphrey has, and see if they match up with your goals.

Want to connect and learn more about Whitney’s Humphrey experience? Email Whitney now.

Hometown: North Oaks, MN
Email: step0243@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Geology, Beloit College; 2007; MS Geology, University of Missouri

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was working at an exploration copper mining company in White Sulphur Springs, MT as a Geologist.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…I wanted to combine doing something I felt good about with something I knew. I had worked for a non-profit and LOVED it, but didn’t want to do fundraising forever. The Humphrey allows me to combine my experience and scientific knowledge with my passion to change the world.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…the MS-STEP program is so unique! It combines exactly what I have done with what I want to do.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…supportive, challenging, engaging.

My favorite Humphrey lecture/discussion/event has been…I love my Diversity and Public Policy class with Dr. Myers. It is a total elective for me, which is maybe why I like it so much, but I feel so challenged and driven in that class. The three hours just fly by! I am also becoming involved with the Boreas Leadership Program at the Institute on the Environment, which is just getting started for the semester, but is a really exciting co/extracurricular program!

My greatest success as a student here has been…stepping out of my comfort zone! I’ve never been this driven to join groups and clubs in a formal sense, and I’ve never taken the same kind of leadership role in my group projects. I surprise myself on a daily basis and I love who the Humphrey is helping me become!

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is…the Twin Cities! There is so much do to and see, people to meet, places to go, things to eat – if you want to do it, if you’re interested in it, it’s here for you to find!

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…go see live music, peruse free festivals, and try a new restaurant or pub every time I go out!

After graduation, I plan to…work for a local non-profit on environmental sustainability and community outreach programs.

The impact I hope to make is…I have (as MS-STEP students do) a science background but found that working in hard science wasn’t fulfilling for me. The impact I hope to make it to combine my science education with policy issues and non-profit work to positively contribute to my community. I want to go to sleep at night knowing that what I do on a daily basis will help someone else, in the short or the long run, and in one of many ways, but that my involvement has helped to improve other people’s lives.     

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…visit! The school will grab you, and you’re bound to love the Twin Cities!

Want to connect and learn more about Sarah’s Humphrey experience? Email Sarah now.

Hometown: Fair Haven, NJ
Email: brie0109@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Building Construction, Georgia Institute of Technology

My internship was/will be…I currently work in development and programming for a non-profit film arts organization, The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…a community development program analyst for a council of governments (COG) in central Pennsylvania, a project manager for an aerospace start-up in Seattle, and an AmeriCorps volunteer in Maine.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…the Humphrey provides a warm, intimate and engaging atmosphere for learning, discussion and debate.  Further, it has a strong legacy of social justice and a commitment to diversity. For career-oriented students, it’s well connected to job opportunities in the Twin Cities, Midwest and D.C.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…my top three reasons (in no particular order) for choosing the Humphrey over other institutions are as follows:

1) Of all the five schools I visited, the students at the Humphrey were the friendliest, happiest, and most intellectually stimulating.

2) The school offered programs and career opportunities that best fit my interests and career goals.

3) Location, location, location. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is a progressive, and vibrant region that values education, arts & culture and the outdoors. Year-round activities (yes, even in winter!) are abundant and worthwhile pursuits! Additionally, there are a multitude of career opportunities and avenues for exploring your interests outside of school.   

My favorite Humphrey lecture/discussion/event has been…the 2012 graduation ceremony was absolutely fantastic.  After a long first year of exams, papers and presentations it was inspiring to recall and celebrate all the accomplishments of my friends and colleagues. That day, saying farewell to good friends was bittersweet.  I knew I wouldn’t see many of them again for extended period of time, but I was happy they all had found jobs in their desired professions in intriguing locations. For example, one of my friends moved to Mozambique for a job!

My greatest success as a student here has been…successfully completing my first year of grad school! I began my journey at the Humphrey after several years in the workforce. To say the least, I was a bit apprehensive about my ability to perform in academia after being away from school. Fortunately, my hard work and perseverance paid off! I’m quite happy with my academic performance and even more certain a career in planning is for me.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is…its plethora of social activities, delicious restaurants and accessible planning professionals.

After graduation, I plan to…ideally find a planning job with a non-profit or community economic development organization. 

The impact I hope to make is…making communities more sustainable, livable and healthy for people from all walks of life by improving the economic, natural and built environments.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…the Humphrey School is perfect for me, but it’s not for everyone. I love my classmates, the Twin Cities, the course offerings and my professors. Naturally, I hope you select the Humphrey, but first make sure it’s for you. Please, please, please visit other schools, talk to professors and create a tentative plan on what you would like to get out of a planning program. And beyond rankings and academic prestige, make sure the school has what you want; after that, it’s all what you make of it! For many, grad school is a big commitment, both in terms of time and finances.

Want to connect and learn more about John’s Humphrey experience? Email John now.

Hometown: Austin, TX
Email: hampt105@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Environmental Science & Policy with a concentration in Economics, St. Edward’s University at Austin, TX

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was...an undergraduate student in Austin, TX finalizing research on New Orleans’ Lower 9^th Ward sustainable housing, serving as a teaching assistant for a freshman writing course and introductory environmental science course, employed as a resident assistant for three years, and writing my thesis on early outdoor environmental education and collective action.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because...I admire the career and ambition of Hubert H. Humphrey and the way the department really embodies his vision and drive.  Additionally, I like the professors who teach in the department and having access to research volumes.  Minneapolis is also a really cool city.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because...of active and accessible professors, vast research resources, locational opportunities, community/neighborhood dynamics relevant to my research interests, and awesome funding opportunities.

The learning environment at Humphrey is...non-competitive, inviting, encouraging, and collegiate.  I feel very comfortable voicing my opinion in my cohort classes.

My favorite Humphrey lecture/discussion/event has been...the 4^th Annual World Conference on Remedying Racial and Ethnic Economic Inequalities because I got the opportunity to volunteer and meet presenters whose work I have followed throughout my undergraduate research career.

My greatest success as a student here has been...through the connections I have made with those around me by participating in study groups and numerous social engagements that have allowed us to bond over our research interests.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is...a toss-up between the navigability of the city by bike, reliable public transit, dynamic immigrant communities, and the vibrant feel of my current neighborhood.

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities...are exploring the city by bike using the Midcity Greenway, basking in the ample lakes when it’s hot outside, patronizing coffee shops like Mapps, Spyhouse, and the Boiler Room when it’s cold outside, and trying new restaurants along Eat Street.

The impact I hope to make is...to increase regional access and opportunity for low-income, minority residents in Sunbelt cities that will help to ameliorate economic inequalities, public health disparities, environmental degradation, and educational standards. 

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is...don’t be afraid of the cold.  I am from the south and I’m surprised at how quickly I have already acclimated to the climate, although it’s only October and I may be in for a shock come November and December.

Want to connect and learn more about Kadence’s Humphrey experience? Email Kadence now.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Email: kempx142@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Sociology, Georgia State University

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…a unit director at a summer camp in Roswell, GA, an intern at an online based record distributor in Brooklyn, NY, a writer for an online based music publication, a bartender/server at a restaurant in Athens, GA, a weekly volunteer at a local grocery co-op in Athens, an intern at an Athens based record label, DJ, and co-owner of Athens/Savannah, GA based record label.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…of the engaging, passionate and diverse atmosphere that it embodies.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…the Humphrey had a sense of civic engagement and social concern that I was unable to find anywhere else.  That was the utmost element of the school that appealed to me.  The second element was the warm and welcoming community of students and faculty that are truly invested in each individual student’s well-being. 

The learning environment at Humphrey is…fostered on the idea that public institutions are essential to promoting the common good.

My favorite Humphrey lecture/discussion/event has been…meeting with my mentor who gave me a tour of the central corridor project and downtown St. Paul. 

My greatest success as a student here has been…taking advantage of the many opportunities for community outreach and networking available here at the Humphrey.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is…the energy and good natured vibe that the city gives out.  Having moved here from outside the Midwest I was amazed at how easy the city was to adapt to.  Everything from the walkability and bikeability to the parks and natural environment to the bars in cedar-riverside is all just top notch.  I could continue on this subject for a while but I’ll just leave it at this. 

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…biking, seeing live music, eating Vietnamese food, hanging at the park,

After graduation, I plan to…work for city government or a non-profit within the fields of public transit or commuter cycling.

The impact I hope to make is…to provide high quality affordable public transportation to urban areas that desperately need it.

Want to connect and learn more about Geoffrey’s Humphrey experience? Email Geoffrey now.

Hometown: Wayzata, MN
Email: mill5061@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: Anthropology (Archaeology focus), Hamilton College

My internship was/will be…Heritage Preservation Commission, Dept of Planning and Economic Development, City of St. Paul

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was...working for a cultural resources management firm as an archaeologist in Reno, Nevada.  I completed cultural resources surveys and excavations as part of the compliance process for various development projects on public lands (i.e. transmission lines, mining exploration) throughout Nevada and Southern California.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…I wanted to gain a broader understanding of how we make decisions about protecting and planning for natural and cultural heritage resources.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…the curriculum has a good balance between technical skills and theory. The Humphrey also has the entire university to draw from, so you can find specialized courses in another department if they are not offered within the school.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…heavily based around discussions! If you come here, be prepared to talk and express your opinions and ideas on a regular basis.

My favorite things to do in the Twin Cities are…running and biking around the lakes and visiting craft breweries.

After graduation, I plan to…work as an environmental planner and hopefully still have some involvement in archaeology through this work.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…come visit the school as a prospective student! Researching the Humphrey School through its website should only be a starting point. Talk to faculty and talk to the student ambassadors to get a better feel for the school.

Want to connect and learn more about Caroline’s Humphrey experience? Email Caroline now.

Hometown: LeSueur, MN
Email: prahl012@umn.edu
Undergraduate Program: International Management, Gustavus Adolphus College

Before attending the Humphrey School, I was…a Teach for America corps member in Pine Bluff, Arkansas teaching Algebra II to eleventh graders.

I chose a career in public affairs through an education at Humphrey because…I want to shape education reform through planning communities around development of youth through school systems.

Humphrey’s programs are unique compared to other schools I was considering because…it intertwines theory and practice while maintaining a strong school culture.

The learning environment at Humphrey is…engaging and constantly evolving.

The greatest thing about going to school in Twin Cities is... the vibrant metropolitan feel.

After graduation, I plan to…enter the planning profession with a focus on education.

The impact I hope to make is...develop planning techniques to positively influence K-12 education.

One thing I’d say to students considering the Humphrey School is…consider the University of Minnesota as a whole- there are many opportunities to explore outside of the Humphrey both academically, socially, and professionally!

Want to connect and learn more about Lexi’s Humphrey experience? Email Lexi now.