UVA Batten graduates enter a variety of sectors and fields after graduation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and commitment to address the complex policy challenges facing our world today. While many go on to public service careers, working in local, state, federal, or even international policy areas, other Batten graduates go on to work in the private sector, including consulting. We asked one of our amazing private sector alumni, Olivia Nguyen-Dillon (BA ’ 23) to share more about her UVA Batten experience and life after UVA Batten.
Hailing from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Olivia joined the Batten School in 2021 while also completing a second major in Global Development Studies. Following her time at Batten, she joined CGI Federal as a Strategy Consultant. In this role, she focuses on management consulting, project management and organizational change management for a federal agency’s acquisition team, and she recently concluded a 1.5-year-long effort, supporting the development of the agency’s FY26-30 Strategic Plan and Agency Performance Plan in alignment with government standards. Get to know more about Olivia below!
Why did you choose UVA Batten?
- I chose Batten because I had always been interested in the public sector and wanted the opportunity to learn more about this field.
How would you describe the Batten community?
- Batten is supportive, fun and innovative!
How were you able to explore your policy interests while at Batten?
- There was a lot of opportunity to explore and define my policy interests whether that be open topic research/writing assignments, capstone selections, and elective course offerings in specific policy areas.
What’s one way Batten helped you grow personally or professionally?
- UVA Batten has helped my professional growth by equipping me with the knowledge base and tools to navigate a rapidly changing federal landscape while working in this field. Personally, Batten instilled confidence in me as a student and a leader.
Similarly, how did Batten prepare you for your first role after graduating or your current role? What skills and experiences at Batten set you up for success?
- The course content I was exposed to at UVA Batten has been so invaluable in my current role. From Prof. Johannessen’s comparative politics course to learning about the rulemaking and appropriations process from Prof. Martin, I gained a unique and technical understanding of the policy landscape. In directly supporting a federal agency’s back office staff, I often refer to the frameworks, theories, and methodologies in application of my deliverables.
What course or academic experience was a highlight of your time at Batten?
- Professor Martin’s Ireland capstone and our spring break trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland! You can check out our highlights here.
Beyond academics, what are some other memories that stand out from your time at Batten?
- Batten Ball – the Batten Undergraduate Council’s big social event of the year!
What piece of advice would you give to a student considering UVA Batten?
- Lean on your community; learn as much as you can. You get the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and have the support of the best staff, faculty, and peers.
