Interview @ MIPP (w Dr. Erica McFadden)

 Hi again, 

If you have been following my blog, you should be somewhat familiar with my workplace, i.e. the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, if this is your first visit, welcome! As I am interested in education policy and aspire to work in the policy field post graduation, I thought it best to interview my supervisor who has varied experiences in the fields of the nonprofit sector and policy. Dr. Erica McFadden received her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin, with dual degrees in Business Administration and Spanish. From a young age,  Erica knew she wanted to work in a role where she would be pushing for real change; her ideal job was a congressional lobbyist for the homeless. "In order to make change, you have to show what is working, you have to develop the research questions and drive the conversation yourself to show the gaps," stated by Erica. The paths in which we think we will end up in are often very different from where we actually wind up. This was also true for Erica, as she stumbled across the Morrison Institute for Public Policy by surprise while in the doctoral program (Public Administration and Public Policy in the School of Public Affairs). I am jumping ahead, before coming to ASU, Erica was working as a geriatric social worker and advocating for social welfare issues, she realized that in order to make impactful changes, it must come from within, i.e. policy helps initiate change. This monumental moment led Erica to eventually switch careers from the nonprofit sector to the policy field, where she decided to pursue her PhD at ASU.

I asked Erica what types of work experience or backgrounds most policy analysts had prior to coming to work at the Morrison Institute. I learned that staff have a wide variety of backgrounds, however journalism seems to be a common thread amongst policy analysts. Moreover, the job duties entail brief writing with public policy concerns which need to be addressed, speaking engagements about current research (whether that be on radio or tv), blogging, and interviews with local news agencies. Skills required include managing large workloads, meeting deadlines, analyzing, forecasting, researching and investigative skills. Finally, developing new questions for the research world and obtaining grant funding are useful qualities. 

The Morrison Institute has specific focal areas including water, education, governance, economic growth, criminal justice, changing demographics and human services and health. Moreover, each policy analyst specializes in one (or more) of these areas. Erica has research interests in Aging and Disability (behavioral health), independent voters and the Citizen Initiative Review (governance) and privatization of services. Having specific research interests is integral to becoming hired by policy institutes/think tanks. Words of advice from Erica: to focus one's research interests and become an expert in your desired field, which also helps with in-depth analysis and becoming well-versed with the current language. This helps potential employers know you are up-to speed with developments. Knowing people in high places always helps. Co-author a paper with an academic, in an area of interest. Finally, present papers whenever possible, especially if you aspire to work in a think tank/policy institute. Keep in mind most people start as volunteers or interns, unless they have insider connections. Being able to make yourself indispensable to an organization will always work in your favor! 

Some of the emerging trends or shifts in the field of public policy in the last 15 years have resulted in a swing of "worthy groups." Moreover, the reconstruction of aging has transformed (esp. as baby boomers have moved into the retirement phase of life). We are witnessing shifts in how we view the LGBT community and minorities. We are reconstructing "the other." Nevertheless, while society has become more accepting of people of non-Caucasian descent, we have been cutting social programs disenfranchising the poor, making it more difficult to seek education and more likely to become incarcerated. For extremely dependent individuals (i.e. frail and needy), there is little chance of success, as the state is unlikely to provide monetary support. 

Finally, I asked what is the most rewarding aspect of working at Morrison Institute. Erica's response was having a finished product and being able to deliver a message to other individuals what we have done (getting the word out when a report has been published) is the most fulfilling aspect of this job.
I was curious to know how Morrison Institute can (better) implement their goals and ideas? 

By having more proactive events to lure people to become engaged. If the change agents, legislators are involved (the key individuals), and if policy becomes a priority this will help pave the path towards change – more people will become focused on that issue. 

M.I will support specific goals and pulling in other states to create collaborative policies could create transformational change.

Thank you for reading!

Til next time~ 

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