Berman wants to help big cities lower emissions, improve public transit systems, and implement sustainability measures in order to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Headshot of Melanie Berman
Melanie Berman

Driven by an environmental mission, Melanie Berman decided to transition out of the entertainment industry and into the policy world. Troubled by the seemingly indifferent response to extreme environmental phenomena, such as wildfires, Berman wants to help big cities lower emissions, improve public transit systems, and implement sustainability measures in order to help mitigate the effects of climate change. “There are a lot of people trying to do something about it, but we need more people in the right positions to solve these problems.”

After graduating from Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s in film and history, Berman moved to Los Angeles to begin working in the entertainment industry. Over the course of three years, Berman held various positions in talent management companies and television productions. She even worked as a Production Assistant for season fourteen of The Bachelorette. 

However, Berman has decided that she wants something different out of her career. “I want to work to better people's lives.” 

Having grown up in Lincolnwood, IL, a northern suburb of Chicago, she was not used to witnessing wildfires in person. “Living in California, I found it disconcerting that with the frequency of environmental disasters—like fires and extreme heat—increasing every year, the urgency of the public to find solutions doesn't seem to be increasing at the same rate.” Berman had a strong reaction to what she was witnessing, and it prompted her to shift her career focus to something that could address issues related to climate change.

Berman was drawn to Harris because of how it encourages those driven by passion seeking the analytic tools to make change. “I do not have any policy experience, unlike others who I know will be there. But Harris staff, and my future classmates, were always very supportive. They saw me as a valuable member of the community.” 

Berman also said that although she felt a bit rusty about her math skills, after speaking with Sparkle Dalphinis, Associate Director of Student Recruitment at Harris, she felt confident that Harris would be a supportive environment for her to foster quantitative skills. “After conversations with Sparkle, I knew I would have the resources to succeed.” Berman plans to take advantage of the Jumpstart Program to start building skills for the Core early.  

Berman is particularly interested in urban policy and has a special affinity for Chicago. “Chicago needs many policy changes. I would like to give back to the city that I practically grew up in.” To help equip herself, she plans on pursuing a certificate in Urban Science and Sustainable Development through the Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation. “I have a lot to learn, and I’m excited to learn it all.”

Berman encourages prospective students who are interested in Harris to reach out to the Admissions Office. “They were incredibly helpful answering all of my questions.” Berman also recommends getting in touch with current students to learn about their experience in the program. “They all seemed to really enjoy their experience, and they were able to tell me about the intricacies of the program—which was very helpful when I was making my decision to attend.”