We are sad to say goodbye to the class of 2014, but we are so excited about where they are heading in their careers. Our Institute of Politics 2014 seniors have helped shape our programming over the past four years and have already achieved so much in the world of politics and public service.
Meet Andrew Seo. Andrew is a History concentrator with a secondary in Economics. He got involved with the Institute of Politics as a freshman by joining Policy Groups and Citizenship Tutoring. He went on to serve as the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Political Review making him a member of the Student Advisory Committee (SAC).
When/Why did you get involved at the Institute of Politics?
I joined a talented roster of writers at the Harvard Political Review during the fall of freshman year, and covered Middle Eastern politics and political issues on college campuses. I was then elected to the 43rd Masthead of the Harvard Political Review as Design Editor.
I also joined the National Security Policy Group within the Policy Program and became a teaching assistant for a Harvard Bridge Program computer literacy class through Citizenship Tutoring in the spring.
The IOP provided the chance to do everything from producing an entirely student-run publication to giving back to members of the community. The IOP is a unique place on the Harvard campus, and I grew an appreciation for being afforded these opportunities.
What is your favorite memory?
Words cannot express the energy and excitement surrounding the Harvard campus and IOP in the lead-up to the 2012 election. I saw students on both sides debating the issues and engaging in thoughtful political discourse. The fall of 2012 was truly an exhilarating time for politics.
From attending the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, to working with editors and staff writers of the Harvard Political Review to produce an entire magazine devoted to politics at Harvard, I will always remember that semester, and, finally, Election Night in the JFK Jr. Forum.
What was your overall experience with the IOP?
I leave Harvard and the IOP with rekindled optimism in politics and public service. Our political system may seem broken, paralyzed by gridlock and partisanship. But when I look to my fellow classmates, I see incredible potential to confront our era’s most pressing issues. I will always remember my peers acting on their ideas for new events and programs, being advocates for issues, and inspiring action in others. That is my IOP experience, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the years to come.
Why is public service important?
Public service is our opportunity to fight the injustices in our world and empower our fellow citizens. Through our writing, teaching, advocating, campaigning, and more, we can make a difference.
Talk about some of the opportunities the Institute provided you?
The IOP has been tremendously supportive throughout the years to me personally and to the organizations of which I have been a member. The summer after freshman year, I received a Director’s Internship with Personal Democracy Forum in New York. I was able to combine my interests in journalism, government, and technology through that summer experience.
What are you doing after graduation?
I will be returning to New York and consulting for Bain & Company. I am excited to analytically approach new questions and challenges, as well as work within a team environment to devise innovative solutions. I hope to one day apply these skills and experiences to public policy.
