Nune Phillips

I (Nune Phillips) graduated with a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Utah in the spring of 2011. While working on my graduate degree full-time, I was also employed as an Eligibility Specialist and working full-time at the Utah Department of Workforce Services. Many of my classmates were also working, or had previous work experience, and that perspective was incredibly useful and ensured that we always had robust discussion and policy debates.

After graduation, I knew I wanted to advance my career in public service and was promoted within the Department to a TANF Program Specialist. My MPP degree helped me stand out as a highly qualified candidate for the position, and my education helped me frame my interest in the work and helped me to be successful in the position. I enjoyed being a TANF Program Specialist and utilized my MPP knowledge on a daily basis. In particular, my policy-focused classes were the most useful and I appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the MPP program. I enjoyed discussing nuances of public policy with my classmates, and that skill equipped me to more efficiently and effectively discuss welfare policy in my role as a TANF Program Specialist.

I am currently a Project Coordinator/Policy Analyst at the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) in Washington, DC and I continue to utilize my education in this role. I often read through complex legislation, policies, and policy briefs, and my graduate educate prepared me to understand and analyze the various policy issues. My primary role at CLASP is to coordinate a project to integrate the delivery of public assistance programs by funding and supporting advocacy organizations in five states. The streamlined service delivery model we support will ease the burden for individuals and families applying for benefits and hopefully increase enrollment in the programs, especially SNAP and Medicaid.

Working at CLASP is only possible because of my MPP degree. Not only because employers are seeking highly educated candidates, but because it prepared me to work in a policy-focused organization where efficient analysis is needed, and needed quickly in a shifting political climate. I am glad I chose the MPP program and appreciate everything I learned from my wonderful professors and mentors.