Alum Spotlight: Ashley Hale (Accelerated MPP ‘23)

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, Ashley Hale (Accelerated MPP ‘23). Hailing from Plymouth, Massachusetts, Ashley joined the Batten School in 2021 while completing her undergraduate degree in American Government and Politics from UVA. Following her time at Batten, she worked in the US Department of State. Today, she serves as a Congressional and Public Affairs Analyst for Ascendant Program Services supporting the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. In this role, she works on Agency messaging with the Public Affairs team and supports Agency engagements with the Hill. Get to know more about Ashley below! 

Why did you choose Batten? 

• Going into third year, I knew I was interested in working in government. I already had exposure to Batten through the minor pre-requisites and enrollment in the minor. As I considered next steps after graduation, applying for the Accelerated MPP seemed like the right next step to get an advanced degree with only 1 extra year of schooling (and significant financial savings). 

How would you describe the Batten community?  

• Batten is a supportive community – both in school and as an alum. During my 5th year, I broke my ankle, and the Batten community was there to help – lending me crutches, helping me get around Grounds, etc. That type of support carried throughout my experience as we all studied for exams and after graduation as my Batten alumni colleague helped me navigate the job search and a new job. 

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

• While in Batten, I took multiple national security electives, completed 2 internships at the U.S. Department of State, and completed an APP for the U.S. Department of State. While I didn’t have a “concentration” like some of my friends at other schools, I tailored my curriculum to focus on what I wanted to learn most. But I also enjoyed how Batten allowed me to explore different policy areas and didn’t silo me in! 

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

• Batten’s mandatory internship was invaluable to my career growth. From that internship, I gained numerous contacts who ultimately hired me into my first job.  

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’s analytical coursework helped me land my current position – it is something that always stands out to potential employers. While I already had a stats background, Batten’s specific coursework helped me learn how to translate data into useful bits for policymakers, which is an essential skill.   

What experience was a highlight of your time at Batten? 

• Professor Pennock’s Applied Policy Project (APP) class – This class was 100% worth the 9 AM Friday start time. Professor Pennock pushed me to create the best APP I could even when it was difficult (or when I was being too ambitious with my topic). I would not have created as good of a work product without his guidance. 

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

• Some of my favorite memories of Batten are from various study groups (planned and unplanned) in Garrett Hall. The people made the tough moments leading up to exams or deadlines better. Batten has such strong community support and moments of community are my fondest memories.  

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

• At Batten, you don’t declare a policy concentration (like many other schools) which allows you to explore as much as you need to find your passions. Even if you already know what your policy area is, getting to take classes in different topics helps make you more well-rounded of an expert. Additionally, Batten’s focus on leadership is invaluable for anyone looking to work in policy and is not as emphasized elsewhere.