Julia Robbins, Major in Public Policy
Hometown
Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Major
BS Public Policy, BS Consumer Behavior and Marketplace Studies
Expected graduation date
May 2028
Research/Professional interests
Currently working on the Main Street Agenda Community Assemblies, which is focused on Housing Policy.
What excites you most about the new public policy major?
The chance to connect policy issues to real-world situations. While political science intrigued me, it always seemed too far away and theoretical. I think the chance to study policy as an undergraduate has opened my eyes to how present it is in everyday life, and the courses within La Follette have given me the opportunity to discuss my opinions with others and learn how to convey my perspective to those who have opinions that differ from my own.
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue the public policy undergraduate major?
Public Affairs 230, Advancing Public Policy in a Divided America, was the first class I took as a Badger. The chance to explore policy deliberation intrigued me, especially with students that didn’t always agree with me. I’ve always been interested in political behavior, but this course took that to the next level. I ended up loving the class so much that it led me to add the Public Policy major on to my degree. I believe that PA 230 was the perfect introduction to UW and would recommend it to any new students during their first semester.
How have your La Follette School courses and/or experiences set you on the path to meeting your career goals?
After taking PA 230, I was excited to stay involved with the La Follette school, especially since I was going to be pursuing the major. When my professor, Amber Wichowsky, approached me about joining her research team and the Community Assemblies initiative, I couldn’t have said yes faster. Being able to explore how policy issues impact real world people in communities I’m familiar with has really put my coursework into perspective. Following this internship, I’ll be prepared to further engage with and learn from citizens.
What has been the most rewarding experience at the La Follette School?
Seeing my work come to life through the Main Street Agenda Community Assemblies. Knowing that I played a key role in identifying potential policy solutions and presenting options directly to citizens definitely made my work feel meaningful. Though it was challenging, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.