Student Profile: Molly McGregor

What were you doing before you came to GSPP?

Before GSPP, I worked at think tanks specializing in international development and environmental policy in DC in roles ranging from government affairs and speechwriting to research. Most recently, I was working for the World Resources Institute’s New Climate Economy Project as a Research Manager overseeing global and/or country research reports. Before moving to Berkeley, I was working from WRI’s office in Jakarta as part of the Low Carbon Development Initiative project with the Indonesian government’s Ministry of Planning. Our team was working with government officials and researchers to analyze and model the environmental and economic baselines, outcomes, and policy implications associated with Indonesia meeting its emissions targets under the Paris Agreement. The analyses were incorporated into Indonesia’s national medium-term development plan.

What made you decide to pursue an MPP?

I knew I wanted to return to graduate school, but initially, it wasn’t an obvious choice for me to pursue an MPP. As someone working in international development policy, I considered several different types of graduate programs, particularly those specializing in international affairs or international development. I ultimately decided to pursue an MPP because of the curriculum’s emphasis on the quantitative, economic, and data skills that I wanted to hone in graduate school and because of the flexibility that the degree offered. I wanted a graduate degree that would equip me with the tools useful for application in interdisciplinary policy settings, including in both domestic and international contexts. 

Why Goldman? What are you most excited about over the coming two years?

I chose Goldman because the MPP is focused on the rigorous economic and quantitative training that I wanted in graduate school. However, Goldman was also very appealing because it is a small school within the much larger academic ecosystem of Berkeley. Outside of GSPP, there are so many opportunities to take classes in different schools, connect with different professors and research, and take advantage of all the other facilities and opportunities which Berkeley has to offer. I am especially excited to be a full-time student again and take advantage of all of the classes and learning opportunities in my interest areas. I’m also looking forward to getting to know my amazing fellow students and explore the Bay Area.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

After I graduate, I would like to continue working in sustainable development policy. I enjoyed being on the research side, but I would like to shift towards working in program or policy implementation given the urgency and need to implement climate change and poverty issues simultaneously. At present, I think I’ll either pursue this in the global philanthropy space or at a government agency. 

What keeps you busy outside of GSPP?

As someone new to the Bay, I am very excited to explore all that the Bay Area has to offer! I generally keep myself busy by exploring the food and music scenes and escaping into nature when I can. I am really looking forward to going hiking and camping in nearby parks, skiing in Tahoe this winter, and—as someone who has never really lived close to the beach—trying to learn to surf!