Student Profile: Maggie Onsager, MPP Class of 2025

“I want to work to create change behind the scenes through policy writing,” says Maggie Onsager, MPP Class of 2025.

This goal led Onsager from the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia down an academic and professional journey that has taken her far from her hometown. With a strong background in communications and advocacy and an eclectic blend of interests, her path to The University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy is nothing short of inspiring.

Despite transitioning directly from her undergraduate studies, Onsager has a wealth of work experience. Presently, she is a Communications Specialist at the Center for Health Administration Studies at the University of Chicago Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice,  a Harris ambassador, and a digital/marketing specialist for SitterTree. Her resume also includes previous roles as a Global Ambassador and Programs Assistant at the Wake Forest University’s Global Programs & Studies Department, a peer tutor, and a dancer with the Wake Forest University Dance Company. 

“My journey into public policy began my junior year of college, thanks to an introduction from my former provost. Rogan Kersh. I hadn’t previously considered graduate school, and he told me about Harris. After that conversation, I felt drawn to public policy and the power of policy writing.” She also reflects on how she navigated imposter syndrome. “I had people that believed in me more than I believed in myself. Harris felt like I could have the opportunity to join the policy and political sphere because the students here are collaborative rather than competitive.”

Onsager graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees in International Affairs & Politics  and French Studies with a minor in Dance, and is well prepared to approach policy with a diverse perspective. In addition to her interdisciplinary background, her study abroad experiences in Denmark, France, Sweden, and Hungary have shaped her view of public policy. “Studying abroad helped me learn new perspectives and think about how systems and institutions can be improved as well as what the U.S. does well.” 

Reflecting on her motivations, Onsager says, “We’re living in a time that is salient for policy issues that will change lives for decades to come. I think it’s a good time to study policy, which is motivating but also intimidating because so many decisions and policies will be made in the next few years. So, we must create the best policies possible because these policies can have lasting effects, which policymakers need to consider.” 

Drawing from her own experience, Onsager advises prospective students to utilize the resources available at Harris during the application process and have confidence in themselves. “Don’t be intimidated by the taglines associated with Harris. You bring a unique background, and diversity is valued here, so you don’t have to fit a certain mold to be here. Have confidence in yourself.”

Onsager also emphasizes the wealth of resources at Harris, from career coaches to academic advisors. “Harris can feel very intimidating because I’m much stronger in the arts than data science and analytics, but knowing my experience is valued was very helpful in the admissions process. I’m building quantitative strength here at Harris.” Participation in programs like Jumpstart and Math and Coding Camp helped her overcome initial hesitations regarding her quantitative skills. She also joined the University Ballet of Chicago and the UC Dancers groups on campus.

Onsager’s journey exemplifies the power of determination, interdisciplinary thinking, and belief in oneself. With a commitment to creating change through policy writing and a diverse set of interests, Onsager is poised to make a significant impact on the field of public policy.