Hyla Jacobson

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Current City: Arlington, VA

Why did you choose McCourt? I wanted a program that could provide me with the quantitative skills I was missing as well as provide interesting courses on my policy topic areas of interest. I also wanted to stay in DC since it is a huge policy hub, and McCourt offered an abundance of networking, internship, and research opportunities to help meet my career goals.

What professional/ work experience did you have prior to coming to McCourt? Prior to coming to McCourt, I worked as Research Assistant at a nonprofit police research and policy organization in DC. While there, I conducted research and provided technical assistance to law enforcement agencies on a variety of issues affecting policing.

What has been the best part of your experience so far? The best part of my experience has been meeting everyone at McCourt. All my professors bring a wealth of experience and unique insights into the classroom. Additionally, I have loved getting to know the other McCourt students. Everyone comes from diverse backgrounds and brings their own unique perspectives to the program. I have really enjoyed learning from one another, whether in the classroom or over a happy hour.

What internships have you had so far during your time at McCourt? During the 2022-2023 school year, I was a Pablo Eisenberg Public Interest Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership. During the summer between my 1st and 2nd years at McCourt, I was a Summer Fellow with the Montgomery County (MD) Council, working in their Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Currently, I am a Policy Intern at the Council for Court Excellence (CCE).

Student organization involvement while at McCourt: Policy Innovation Lab (PIL) and the Criminal Legal Policy (CLP) Organization

Undergraduate University, degree, and major: Dickinson College, BA, Sociology

Hobbies/ Interests: My main policy areas of interest are racial equity and criminal justice, specifically reentry. When I’m not in school, I enjoy trying out new restaurants in DC and traveling.

Reach out to me about: Living in the DMV