Student Profile: Benjamin Stock, MPP Class of 2023

Benjamin Stock is motivated when he is connecting and empathizing with others while making an impact in local communities.

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Stock earned his BA in political science with minors in Spanish and international studies from Oberlin College in 2016. 

After graduation, Stock went back home to work on the Democratic campaign for President, as well as various state and local campaigns. “It was a really empowering experience to be able to go back home and change my community,” said Stock.  “One of the most important things that I gleaned from that experience was the power that exists in the local sphere; not only from an electoral perspective and motivating folks to turn out, but also just structurally speaking.”

Stock first found himself drawn to public policy when he was in Arizona working as a field organizer “connecting with folks and hearing their stories.”

Stock believes data analysis, coupled with a nuanced understanding of people, is the way of the future in public policy. “I think too often policymakers aren’t trained in both at once, so that’s my ultimate professional goal,” said Stock. “I want to learn the art and science of public policy—to understand and build the capacity to do data-driven policy work in local communities.”

After working in Arizona, Stock moved to Washington, DC, where he worked in digital advertising for Democratic and progressive candidates. “But then I really wanted a more data-driven challenge,” said Stock. “I knew I wanted to go back into state or local government, so I knew that a public policy degree would be the next step for me at some point.” 

In 2020, Stock started a new job in digital advertising more focused on corporate clientele. “I actually woke up one morning and realized I just can’t do this,” said Stock. “I want to be working to serve a community. I didn’t feel the labor I was exerting was benefiting any person’s life in a meaningful way. That’s when I knew I needed to go back to school.”

Now an incoming MPP student, Stock is inspired by Harris’ dedication to service. He appreciates the emphasis on data, community, and especially the experiential learning components. “Oftentimes in higher education, there can be a focus on theory and these sort of large, sweeping topics.  Then when you get your internship, or you get to the real world, you’re unsure how to apply it,” said Stock. “At Harris, there seems to be a trend of relevance and applicability.”

Stock plans to pursue the Certificate in Municipal Finance. Passionate about many policy areas, Stock hopes to eventually run for elected office. Using his Harris degree, Stock will build up experience in state and local government to better understand issues that affect local communities.

“I’m a big believer in using the abilities and privileges one has gained throughout their lifetime and turning those back towards the community they are a part of,” said Stock. “So that’s what I plan to do.”