Alum Spotlight: Sydnee Pottebaum (MPP ‘24)

Numerous Batten graduates enter public service careers and work across a variety of government sectors. While many go to Washington D.C. to work on Capitol Hill, some choose a different path in state or local government, making huge differences all the same. The Batten Admissions team sat down with one of our amazing public servant alums, Sydnee Pottebaum (MPP ‘24). Hailing from Brandon, South Dakota, Sydnee joined the Batten School in 2022 after completing her undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History from the University of South Dakota. Following her time at Batten, she worked as a Legislative Fiscal Analyst at the Senate of Virginia Finance and Appropriations Committee. Today, she serves as a Budget and Policy Analyst with Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS). Get to know more about Sydnee below! 

Why did you choose Batten? 

• I chose Batten because it felt very friendly and homey while going through the admissions process. I also loved the breadth of interest among faculty and the opportunities for networking in my field. 

How would you describe the Batten community?  

• The Batten community is very open and approachable. I can’t count the number of conversations I had randomly with people on the stairs or in the fishbowl [student common area] who I had never spoken to before. It feels as if everyone is working toward the same goal. 

How were you able to explore your policy interests while at Batten? 

• I was able to explore my policy interests by taking more data heavy classes which I really enjoyed. In particular, I love Professors Dan Player’s Impact Evaluation course and João Ferreira’s Regional Economic Analysis course. I was also able to take an independent study in my last semester which allowed me to hit the ground running at the Senate when I graduated from Batten. 

What’s one way the MPP helped you grow personally or professionally?   

• Batten introduced me to people from all walks of life who I am able to draw experience and wisdom from every day. I am lucky to call some of my former classmates my best friends now. Batten also prepared me for life in policy by acclimating me to short and sweet writing and a chaotic schedule! 

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? 

• Batten helped develop my Excel skills which I use every day now. Batten also taught me how to look for and highlight key points while writing and to get rid of unnecessary information. 

What experience was a highlight of your time at Batten? 

• In particular, I loved Professors Dan Player’s Impact Evaluation course and João Ferreira’s Regional Economic Analysis course. However, my favorite class throughout all of Batten was Economics of Public Policy II with Professor Jay Shimshack. I also loved being able to take part in the Tadler Fellowship [in Appalachia] my last year. I was able to work with the town of Wise, VA and help them uncover economic development opportunities. I learned so much about so many things [about Appalachia and impact investing] that I never would have otherwise.  

Beyond academics, what are some other memories that stand out from your time at Batten?  

• I was the last one in town for Thanksgiving break my first year, and Dean Solomon came into the lounge where I was working, and he sat and spoke for close to 30 minutes about South Dakota and where I grew up and my experiences. I thought it was so cool and telling that the Dean of the school is willing to talk to students like that. 

What piece of advice would you give to a student considering Batten? 

• You should consider Batten because the staff and faculty truly care about their students and want to see them succeed.