Hyla Jacobson

Current position and employer: Project Analyst at the Council of State Governments Justice Center

Hometown: Silver Spring, MD

Current City: Washington, DC

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 was the best part of your experience? 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 did you have 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