Katherine Siggerud

Managing Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues
Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Degree: MA, 1985
Location: Washington D.C., U.S.A.

Kate Siggerud’s first job after graduation was with the GAO as an entry-level analyst. More than 20 years later, she is still there, now overseeing a staff of 160 analysts and support staff investigating critical issues for Congress.

What is one of your most memorable Humphrey moments?
In Jim Jernberg’s budgeting class, we were doing a simulation of different federal departments and their budgets. We were holding mock Congressional hearings, and it was really interesting to me that people began to take it very personally that their budgets were being questioned by “Congress members” and staff played by other students. There were some people who didn’t speak for several weeks because of the very realistic simulation in class. And, of course, that happens in real life. It’s adversarial when you talk about money at the federal or state level.

What made your Humphrey experience unique?
I was a student when the Humphrey Center opened. Before that, the Humphrey School existed without a place; classes were in Blegen Hall. The year they opened the building coincided with the graduation, so there was a big celebration. And, pretty much every Minnesota politician was present: Walter Mondale, Arne Carlson, Harold Stassen. I had volunteered with the building dedication. At one point I got in the elevator with Stassen, Mondale, and Wendell Anderson. It was totally by accident.

Do you have any advice for incoming and current students interested in a career like yours?
Really take advantage of whatever opportunities the Humphrey School can offer in terms of coursework or elective courses to learn how to be an effective communicator in writing and presentations. People who can come in and learn how to be clear, concise, and persuasive are going to have a successful career. And, people who can exhibit that in oral presentations and meetings can be very effective.

What is the biggest career lesson your have learned since graduating from the Institute?
Teamwork is the grease that gives your career success. It’s not easy. There’s conflict and ambition in the workplace, but people who can master the art of teamwork will be happier and are likely to have a fulfilling career. The second piece is communication skills. The third is that once you’re at a place where you’ve had some success in your career, take some time to do some mentoring; teaching is really rewarding and a good way of giving back.

 

March 15, 2012