Eric Stokan

Why did you choose the Trachtenberg School?

I was drawn to the Trachtenberg School for many reasons, but chief among them were the faculty whose work aligned closely with my interests in urban politics, public policy, and public finance. I was especially excited about the opportunity to learn from and work with scholars in those areas. The School’s location in the heart of Washington, D.C., was also a major attraction. With its concentration of think tanks, access to government institutions and decision-makers, and extensive alumni network, D.C. offered opportunities to connect academic study with the practice of policymaking in ways that were difficult to replicate elsewhere.

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

Regarding skills, I learned a great deal about methodology and urban policy. However, some of the most valuable aspects of the program were the relationships I developed with my cohort and my affiliation with the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP). I had an amazing experience in the program and was fortunate to have opportunities to attend events at places like the Urban Institute, Brookings Institution, and the Federal Reserve. The Research Professor I worked with brought me to meetings with the Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration, and a fellow student even brought me to the White House. It is hard to overstate how valuable those experiences were. They gave me opportunities to see firsthand how research, policy, and government intersect and exposed me to people and institutions that shaped the way I thought about my own career.

In what ways did the Trachtenberg community—whether professors, peers, or alumni—support or influence your career?

My peers and cohort members through GWIPP supported me every step of the way. In fact, just yesterday I was at the Urban Institute because of a connection with one of the members of my cohort. I also continue to publish with someone who graduated from the Ph.D. program two years before I did. It is a remarkable community—people are ambitious and accomplished, but not overtly competitive with one another. I found it to be an exceptionally supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment.

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

The academic path is not an easy one. One thing that helped me was intentionally pursuing areas that genuinely interested me while recognizing that I might not ultimately go into academia—and that would be okay. I wanted to make sure that, if academia did not work out, I would still have skills that were marketable in government, nonprofit organizations, or other institutions. For that reason, I took a number of methods courses and tried to develop a broad set of analytical skills. I think having those options took some of the pressure off when I went on the academic job market.

The other thing I would emphasize is that you will likely experience imposter syndrome at some point. That feeling is incredibly common, particularly in graduate school and early in an academic career. Try not to let it keep you from appreciating the experience or recognizing what you have accomplished. You belong in these spaces.

It is a long journey, and there will inevitably be difficult stretches along the way. As much as you can, try to enjoy the process—not just focus on reaching the next milestone.