Cat Seifert, MA ’23

Name: Cat Seifert
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Program: Master of Arts in Political Science
Awards: Rockefeller Capstone Paper Award

What was one of the most meaningful experiences you had during your time in the MA program? 

My most meaningful experience was the Women and Public Policy Fellowship, which is hosted by the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society.  The combination of the classes I took, and my fellowship placement made for a very rigorous semester, but one in which I grew a lot, met new people, and strengthened my multitasking and writing skills. And was lucky enough to be offered a permanent position at my fellowship placement, which shows how instrumental the fellowship was in my career.

What specific skills or experiences through the program have prepared you for your transition to post-graduate employment?

The internships and fellowship placements that I had in state government were so important — I got to actually apply what I was learning in my graduate classes. I took an internship the summer after my first semester at NYS Homes and Community Renewal, and then did my fellowship placement at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Getting those experiences in a working environment was crucial in preparing me for my post grad position in a state government office. I also learned more about what niche in state government I see myself in and what types of work were not the best fit — an internship or temporary placement is the perfect way to test that out.

Where are you currently employed and what is the focus of your position? 

I am currently a Program Advisor in the Commissioner's Office at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. In this role, I help to run the state's Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, which is tasked with developing recommendation to reduce New York State's child poverty rate by 50% by the end of 2031. 

What advice do you have for students who are considering an MA degree?

When I was thinking about going back to school, I was deciding between the political science master’s and the MPA degree. I really wanted to focus on public policy, and there were so many cool classes to take. I ended up doing the political science track because of the flexibility to take the classes in which I was most interested, while still focusing on public policy. My advice would be to not be afraid to make a program your own — take the classes that you want to take to build the knowledge and experience you think would be most valuable in your career.