Meet Kat Stevens ’17 (policy studies and economics, Spanish minor), a London-based associate director of global strategy and engagement at the Healthcare Business at Merck Group, which discovers and markets prescription pharmaceuticals.
She supports overarching strategy development and execution for the Global Government and Public Affairs function across major policy hubs (Washington, D.C.; Brussels; Beijing). She also oversees position development and advocacy for policy priorities with broad impact above all products and markets.
Stevens credits Lafayette’s Policy Studies program for her career success, providing the flexibility to explore themes across disciplines and instill curiosity about real-world problems.
What inspired you to major in policy studies?
I was inspired by how Policy Studies encouraged curiosity about real-world problems. The program gave me the flexibility to explore themes across disciplines, like global health and international security, and build a portfolio of projects I was proud to put my name on. On top of this exposure to a wide range of topics, the major offered new engaging ways of learning. I wasn’t just in a classroom- I was working on TV sets and in broadcasting studios. I wasn’t giving presentations to my classmates- I was communicating with alumni, industry experts, and audiences across Pennsylvania. The major had a unique balance of being exciting and dynamic while ensuring applicability and relevance beyond Lafayette.
How did policy studies prepare you for your career?
Firstly, Policy Studies taught me an invaluable skill that can be applied anywhere: how to tell an impactful story. I still reference my experience as co-host of the 2016 Election Night Broadcast in interviews, because it was such a unique lesson on presenting and speaking in a high-pressure situation. Now, I leverage that ability professionally to moderate townhalls with our CEO, train hundreds of salespeople from a stage, and draft arguments for changes in regulations. Secondly, Policy Studies connected me with the people, organizations, and programs that helped me take significant steps forward in my career. With the support of the program and emphasis on gaining work experience, I was able to take my intellectual interests to the next level by turning them into a senior thesis and internships.
If you had to give a sales pitch to students considering pursuing a degree in policy studies, what would you say?
At Lafayette, I always recommended Policy Studies because it put students in the best place to translate interests of any topic to life after college. During your studies, you are empowered to ask questions and offered unique opportunities to differentiate your resume (while having fun too). 5 years later, I recommend Policy Studies with even more confidence. Looking back at the turning moments in my career, from the connections that opened doors and the skills that set me apart from my peers to the internal compass that has guided me to where I am today, many critical aspects of my professional self were formed due to my Policy Studies experience. If you invest your time into a Policy Studies degree, it is guaranteed to be a worthwhile return in the future.