Ashley Wolfe
Year Graduated: 
2018
Program Analyst
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Job description

I work as a Program Analyst for the Office of Field Policy and Management within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. I'm is responsible for implementing secretarial initiatives at the local and sometimes regional levels. I'm also in charge of communicating with local governments and organizations regarding all things related to HUD. This includes initiatives, funding opportunities, general resources, and information regarding policy changes. Much of my time is spent coordinating with local, state, and other federal agencies around shared priorities like homelessness, economic development, and most recently COVID-19.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to major in international studies because I have a passion for learning about other cultures and languages. I also enjoyed the cross-programmatic structure of the major, it allowed me to gain different perspectives on multi-dimensional real-world problems. This program also gave me the push I needed to study abroad and pick up a new language, which has been useful throughout my early career.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

This program allowed me to think outside of the traditional systems and bring a unique perspective to the work. Being that my position requires me to work with people from many different organizations with differing perspectives, I am able to speak to people in a way that they understand and foster greater collaboration. Additionally, speaking Spanish is a skill that many on my team do not have and I am often called upon to utilize this skill.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

I enjoyed the flexibility that it offered, it allowed me to have greater control over what I wanted to learn. I like being challenged to try new things and come up with my own conclusions. Going abroad was also a major part of my experience, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

The program has fantastic leadership that will really push you to be in control of your time at HSU and also prepare you for whatever next steps you would like to pursue. The ability to decide your concentration and foreign language will give you the ability to go in many different directions after you graduate.

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