Choosing a college major can be an overwhelming task. With so many fields of study, it can take time to determine what aligns best with your interests and career goals. When I began my college journey, I struggled with this very issue. My interests include economics, government, political science, philosophy, law, and more. After much contemplation and research, I decided to study policy at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy — this was the perfect fit for me!

One of the primary reasons I chose the Brooks School of Public Policy is its interdisciplinary curriculum, which provides exposure to various disciplines, including economics, statistics, sociology, public policy, law, political science, demography, and more. Additionally, the flexibility of the curriculum allows me to pursue minors in other fields. Did you know that Brooks School students can choose from over 100 minors? Because I'm interested in law and business, I plan on minoring in both business and Law & Society. This allows me to explore these interests more deeply and gain a more well-rounded education.  

In my first year, I gained valuable exposure to thinking critically and conducting empirical research on public policy. In my First-Year Writing Seminar, I focused on expanding federal food programs to better address school hunger. This experience allowed me to develop my writing skills and apply empirical research to real-world issues. In the class Introduction to Policy Analysis, we analyzed policies’ political effects and how we can evaluate their efficacy through an economic and statistical lens to improve policies that affect our everyday lives.  

One of the most valuable aspects of the Brooks School is the emphasis on statistics. In my Introduction to Statistics and Multiple Regression classes, I’ve learned how to evaluate the effectiveness of public policy by testing for statistical significance with statistical software. I also learned how to draw conclusions from data and analyze the findings. I am thankful that the Brooks School has helped me develop these foundational skills, which will undoubtedly be helpful in any other field requiring statistical or data analytics.  

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the exposure and skills I have gained through my studies at the Brooks School of Public Policy. The interdisciplinary nature of this program allows me to explore all my interests and build a toolkit that will be useful in any career. Through my classes, I’ve developed writing and research skills in various disciplines, which will serve me well in any field I pursue. I am excited to see where this major will take me, and I am confident that it will be the foundation for a successful career in the future.