Lauryn Williams is a policy analyst within the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy and a member of the first cohort of John S. McCain Strategic Defense Fellows. She was also recently selected for the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) Mid-Career Cadre, a select group of nuclear professionals.

We asked Lauryn about her MPA experience at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

“Before Princeton, I had already worked in the national security space in Washington, D.C. for several years. I chose to come to grad school, and Princeton specifically, because I knew this experience, both academic and personal, would give me the skills I needed to make that critical career jump from early-career to more polished policy professional. The coursework was intensive, and I was challenged in more ways than I expected, but I truly believe I came out the other side with skills that helped me take that extra leap in my career."

We also asked Lauryn about our generous financial support for all students.

“Whatever Princeton can do to get the word out about its substantial funding for MPA students is a net-positive. In conversations I’ve had with prospective students, especially from underserved backgrounds, almost all have been totally surprised to hear that going to a school like Princeton doesn’t have to be a huge financial burden. Obviously, the substantial financial aid is not the only selling point for the program, but it’s a huge one for attracting students who might not otherwise be able to imagine themselves at Princeton.”

It is always great to chat with our alumni. Thanks for your service, Lauryn. Keep up the great work!

Picture taken during a delegation visit to India in Lauryn’s first job after Princeton at the Department of Energy.