Emily Sydow, Certificate in Public Policy
Hometown
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Major
Agricultural and Applied Economics
Expected graduation date
May 2028
Research/Professional interests
Professional: Agricultural and Environmental Legislation, Wisconsin State Senate
Research: Land Management Incentives, Value Added Agriculture
What most excites you about the public policy certificate?
Something that excites me about the public policy certificate is that I am gaining applicable skills that I will use in my post graduate studies and future career. I’ve done this through the course Public Affairs 200. In this course, a part of my final was to research and write testimony for an office in the capitol.
What experiences shaped your decision to pursue the public policy undergraduate major/certificate?
Growing up in a fourth-generation farming family, agriculture has always been an important aspect of my life. From a young age, I saw the struggles, triumphs, and all emotions in between that truly affected our livelihood. In high school, I met Wisconsin representatives and senators at the capitol to discuss improving programs to benefit agriculturalists and its importance in the community. Through the public policy certificate, I can be an advocate for the industry and environment to ensure there will be land for the next generations.
What are your career goals?
After completion of my undergraduate studies, I hope to pursue my master’s in Public Affairs through the La Follette School of Public Affairs. Through this education I strive to become a Wisconsin State Senator, where I can advocate not only for my district but the State of Wisconsin. Another career path I would like to explore is serving as the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Wisconsin, speaking on various policies that not only affects Wisconsin but our global exports. At the end of my service, I want to finish my career as a professor at my alma mater.
If any La Follette School alumni and/or friends have helped you with your career path or coursework, who was it and how did they mentor you?
One La Follette School alum that has played a large role in my career path is Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). As a senior in high school, I served on a statewide agricultural youth council through DATCP. Secretary Romanski oversaw this council and I worked closely with him to explore the different areas of the agriculture industry and how various policies on state and federal levels impact production. A couple years later I am continuing to work with Secretary Romanski and his team to evaluate cost benefit incentives to increase adoption of a current agricultural program.