Chris Urteaga

Why did you choose the Trachtenberg School?

I chose the Trachtenberg School because I wanted to strengthen my ability to understand and address complex public policy and management challenges. GW’s location in Washington, D.C., combined with Trachtenberg’s strong reputation in public administration, offered an ideal environment to learn from experienced faculty and engage with the issues shaping government. I was also drawn to the School’s emphasis on connecting academic theory with practical application. Looking back, Trachtenberg provided exactly the combination of analytical foundation, professional perspective, and consulting training I was seeking.

Looking back, what are the most valuable skills, tools, or aha-moments you gained at Trachtenberg that you still rely on today?

One of the most valuable lessons I gained at Trachtenberg was learning to approach complex problems systematically: define the problem, understand the stakeholders, examine the evidence, and develop practical options before recommending a course of action. I continue to rely on that framework in my work today. Trachtenberg also strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences—a skill that has proven just as important as technical expertise when working across organizations, disciplines, and  levels of leadership.

What advice would you share with someone looking to pursue a career similar to yours?

My advice is to remain curious, build strong relationships, and learn to become comfortable working through ambiguity. Careers like mine at the intersection of the private sector and federal government often involve complex problems without straightforward answers, so the ability to analyze information quickly, communicate clearly, and bring the right people together to deliver solutions is invaluable. I would also encourage students to seek experiences outside their immediate area of expertise. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from being willing to take on unfamiliar challenges and applying the skills I developed at Trachtenberg in new contexts.