Student Interview: Johnathan Hill, EMP Class of 2022 Pt. I

Johnathan Hill, EMP Class of 2022, discusses his first-year in the Evening Master’s Program (EMP) and the classes and programs he appreciates most.

In the second part of the interview, he will share his advice with prospective and incoming students. 

What has the EMP experience been like after one year?

Eye-opening. In social impact work, we often ask, “How do you measure impact?” And that question is tough because we are talking about people, not just the bottom line. We ask: are these programs good for the community, or just good for the company? How can we test efficacy? Are we ensuring that certain communities have a seat at the table? I was not prepared to ask these deeper questions before Harris.

Any classes or professors that stood out?

Harris professors have not only practiced policy and done research, but also have a helpful approach to instruction. I didn't feel as confident with my quantitative data analysis skills coming into the program, but the professors meet us where we are and help us dissect data—particularly valuable for folks that are not as comfortable with it.

In my Cost Benefit Analysis class with Professor Ryan Kellogg, I gained the confidence to look at a city budget and understand deficits, trade-offs, and why we may need to pivot on solutions.  And taking Leadership and Management with John Burrows gave me the skills to walk into a room in corporate America, particularly as a Black man, and feel confident that I can lead the conversation and negotiate the strategies we leverage to make an impact. I credit the professors at Harris for helping us join those conversations.

Any additional resources you recommend at Harris?

The Harris Writing Program. I was hesitant to reach out because I didn’t think I'd find someone to help me with my paper who could support me on a tight deadline, but I was wrong. They were accommodating and compassionate, they took the time to read my materials before we connected, and they made very thoughtful suggestions. They created a sense of belonging to the point where I felt the need to return. I saw the improvement in my paper, but it wasn't just that temporary gratification. It was the affirmation I started receiving from my bosses and peers at work, who have said, “Your language is changing, your emails are changing; your communication is becoming clearer, more impactful, and quantitative.” That is the kind of long-term impact that I didn't anticipate would happen from this program, but I appreciate it a lot.

Read part II of the interview.