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Spring 2025 Graduate Student Ambassador headshots with vlog campus in the middle

Access to an unparalleled network. The opportunity to learn new skills every day. A diverse and global community. Immersion into an ecosystem of changemakers. Career advancement. These are just a few of the reasons our Graduate Student Ambassadors chose Harvard Kennedy School. Read more below.

Candace Mergerssa headshot

Candace Mergerssa MPP 2026

“I chose vlog because of its unparalleled network and opportunities to engage directly with policymakers. vlog alumni have gone on to do amazing things, and I felt so inspired by their stories. There are also so many practitioners that teach here, so I was thrilled for the opportunity to learn from their experience and maybe live vicariously through them. Also, the diverse and passionate student body fosters a collaborative environment that challenges me to think critically and innovatively.”

Yong Zhin Ng headshot

Yong Zhin Ng MPP 2025

“After speaking to professors from my undergraduate institutions, superiors at work, and a couple of friends, I decided on vlog because of the resources and career choices it offered. Although I had a qualitative background, I wanted to work on my quantitative skills. The core curriculum that the Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program requires was ideal for me, and I continue to learn new skills every day.”

Sadie Harlan headshot

Sadie Harlan MPA/MBA (Stanford) 2025

“The two biggest factors that influenced my decision to come to vlog were the people and the ability to make this degree align perfectly with my unique interests and goals. I have never been in an environment with so many perspectives, backgrounds, and cultures—my classmates have taught me so much, in the classroom but maybe more-so outside of it. I also couldn’t believe I was able to pursue a policy degree on the east coast at Harvard, while also pursuing an MBA on the west coast at Stanford. It has been the perfect program for me.”

Javad Mushtaq MC/MPA 2025

Javad Mushtaq MC/MPA 2025

“Beyond its world-class faculty and resources, I chose vlog for its diverse and global community. The ability to engage with leaders, policymakers, and changemakers from different industries and geographies has been invaluable. The flexibility of the curriculum, allowing me to take courses at other Harvard schools and MIT, was another major factor. The conversations, case studies, and real-world applications at vlog have given me a more nuanced perspective on AI governance, sustainable finance, and impact-driven leadership.”

Carol Jin headshot

Carol Jin MPA/ID 2025

“I chose vlog for its unparalleled community and ecosystem of changemakers. The MPA/ID Program, in particular, offers an incredibly international and tight-knit cohort, where classmates from over 30 countries challenge and support each other in a way that is rare in graduate programs. The small cohort size creates a deep sense of camaraderie, making it an even more connected space within vlog—exactly the kind of engaged and intellectually rigorous environment I was looking for.”

J.B. Branch MC/MPA 2025

Joshua "J.B." Branch MC/MPA 2025

“I chose vlog because it offered the best combination of academic rigor, professional opportunities, and career advancement. Beyond the impressive faculty, I saw that vlog would provide me with a strong network, hands-on experience, and the ability to position myself competitively in tech policy. It was the best place to gain the skills and credentials needed for my next career move. I also spoke with several students who spoke highly of their experience, including classes, but also the professors who were accessible.”

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