The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Holly Hodgkins

Jim McGovern & Holly Hodgkins
District Representative
Office of US Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)

Degrees & graduation years: Bachelor of Arts, 2012, and Master’s of Public Policy, 2013

Current position: District Representative to Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

What I do: I work in the Congressman’s district office assisting constituents communicating with federal agencies and resolving policy problems.

How I ended up working there: I did an internship with the Congressman while I was in school at UMass while getting my BA and master’s degrees.

The best part of my job: Being able to make a difference in the lives of constituents. I enjoy listening to their concerns and helping them solve whatever problems they experience and helping them come to a resolution.

A recent exciting work experience: I recently visited Taiwan as a guest of their government. I was able to learn about their culture, structure of their government, and all they are able to offer the United States and our world.

How the UMass School of Public Policy prepared me for my career: I was able to get a keen understanding of how new policy is formed and implemented, not only in the United States but also across the world.

Advice to students considering a degree in public policy: Start an internship you think you will enjoy! Take that part of the degree seriously!

Future plans: I plan to continue to work for Congress or the federal government. I really enjoy working for Congressman McGovern.

Posted April 2018