OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Apologies! did not take any screenshots during the event

Name: Sarina Noone

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Public Policy Analysis

Conference Host Organization/Institution: Association for the Study of Higher Education

Conference/Competition Name: Graduate Student Policy Seminar

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2021-10-07 Conference End Date: 2021-10-07

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
The conference provided a great overview of some of the most pressing policy issues in higher education with candid discussion from leading voices in the field. I learned a lot about governance and competing models for addressing inequities exacerbated by student loan debt from the conference speakers.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
I was able to learn about a few new organizations in the field of higher education policy work that will be important to follow when looking for a next role. Many of the conference participants were current PhD candidates or doctorate degree holders who encouraged me to consider continuing my studies depending on the impact I want to pursue.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
I plan to research PhD programs and speak with my academic advisor about the hard analytical skills I would need to develop to pursue a doctorate degree. I also want to speak with a career advisor in OCS about career paths that I hadn't previously considered. I made a few connections that I hope to maintain via virtual coffee chat/informational calls as well.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
I researched many of the event speakers in advance of the conference to learn about their research areas and interests which was definitely helpful. I'd recommend students prepare a few questions for each panel to address the topics that overlap with personal career interests, too.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Education