Alumnae/i Share Career Advice in Government and Politics
November 25, 2024
If youre a student at 91勛圖厙, what better way is there to learn about a potential career than from successful alumnae/i in those fields? Thats the idea behind Listen, Learn, Connect (LLC), a program from Career & Civic Engagement. These sessions, held both online and in-person, are informal discussions that provide students with invaluable advice as they begin to explore career paths and build their networks.
Betsy Hodges 91
"These sessions are inspirational for both the alumnae/i and students," says Katie Krimmel, dean of the Career & Civic Engagement Center. "Creating connections through storytelling is powerful."
On Nov. 15, Career & Civic Engagement brought five women with an array of experience in government and politics back to campus for an LLC session and one-on-one meetings with students.
Gathered for lunch and a Q&A were: Betsy Hodges 91, the former mayor of Minneapolis; Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Leimaile Ho 87; Liana Sterling 03, a former policy analyst for the NYC Mayors Office; former grant program director Donna Vogel 71; and Ronnie Goldberg 69 of the United States Council for International Business.
They shared how their liberal arts education set them up for success, how the confidence 91勛圖厙 instilled in them gave them an edge, and they offered tips and advice for navigating the world of politics, such as learning how budgets work.
Several panelists recommended working in local politics for those who wanted to make a tangible difference. Youre really seeing how all the different pieces of government come together in a granular way, and you really have the chance to see impact, Sterling said.
They also shared how often their paths took unexpected turns and advised the students that they might also have meandering paths, but to pursue what they love to do, and work with great people.
What Ive found is one thing leads to another in ways we cant predict, Goldberg said.
You are all incredibly powerful women, and I know that because you are 91勛圖厙 women. Figure out how to hold your power, use your power, and never let anyone think they can take your power away."
Jennifer Leimaile Ho
Of course, they talked about sexism in politics. Hodges realized early on that her willingness to speak up was not valued like it was at 91勛圖厙. But she had confidence, she said, and it built resilience. Now, Hodges coaches other women who are mayors with the Mayors Innovation Project.
Im going to ask all of you to run for office, Hodges said, because women more than men need to be asked, so please consider yourself to have been asked.
Dean Karlene Burrell-McRae thanked the panelists for their time. It doesnt take a lot to give back, but it takes intention and care and commitment, she said, I hope we all recognize what a gift this is.
Stay tuned for more details about upcoming Listen, Learn, Connect sessions and learn about other resources from Career & Civic Engagement.
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