CCAS alumna Sydney Hamilton-Dyer, M.P.A. ‘22, works as a Congressional Affairs Officer for the U.S. Navy. She discusses what makes her position meaningful as well as how pursuing her degree at GW gave her access to a world-class professional network.
“It means a lot to be able to advocate on behalf of the servicemen and women who keep our country safe.”
Sydney Hamilton-Dyer
M.P.A. ‘22
Where did you grow up and how has your background influenced you today?
I’m from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a small town just east of Pittsburgh.
Tell us about your current professional role and how it excites you.
I work in congressional affairs for the U.S. Navy, engaging with members of Congress on behalf of my programs. It means a lot to be able to advocate on behalf of the servicemen and women who keep our country safe.
What accomplishment are you most proud of personally or professionally and why?
I pursued my M.P.A. part-time while working full time as an engineer for the Navy, and simultaneously worked as the editor-in-chief of Policy Perspectives, the peer-reviewed policy journal run out of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration. Accomplishing that made me feel I could accomplish anything.
Did you receive a scholarship at GW? How did it help you succeed?
I received a partial scholarship to pursue my M.P.A. at GW. This scholarship removed much of the anxiety surrounding how I would pay for grad school, which enabled me to focus on my classwork and getting involved on campus within TSPPPA.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
GW gave and continues to give me access to a world-class alumni network that helps me grow professionally.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
Being part of Policy Perspectives made me a better writer and leader.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
Meet as many people as you can! You never know what kinds of fascinating people you’ll meet at a networking event.
What is a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
When I was in college, I made money by working as a pianist for weddings!