My name is Brandon Haugrud. I am a
senior, studying political science.
I'm originally from Houston ,Texas. I didn't go straight into college.
I actually served five years in the
Marine Corps. I really got to see,
close hand, the effects of foreign policy,
the realities of third world poverty,
and
that really got me interested in
politics, and I knew after my
military service, I wanted to study that in
college.
My first year of college, at the University of
Minnesota,
I knew the political science department was quite
distinguished and well-known
around the country because of their faculty.
I also learned that  there is a course
taugh tby former Vice President Walter
Mondale. I think it says a lot about
the reputation of the department and quality of
education they offer. Students who are
looking at a lot of different majors,
and the College of Liberal Arts, I would tell them to
take a second look
at Political Science, because no matter what
they wanna study,
they are gonna touch on it in political
science. There are classes on monetary policy
and the global economy. Political
philosophy, we learn about early
political philosophers. Every discipline is
used in political science. The best
advice I can give to a first-year
student is
take challenging courses, take things
that you don't have a lot of
background and
familiarity in, because that's the best way to grow.
Get to know your professor, go to their
office hours.
Invite them out to coffee, it's a great
way to
get to know your professor and
gain valuable mentoring, which can
lead to opportunities and research.
These are men and women are also going to be
writing your letters of recommendation.
A really powerful letter is going to be
from a professor who can speak to what
you did in the classroom, how you
performed
on your exams, research opportunities
that you've worked with them with.
Absolutely pursue internships. We're right
next door to a large metropolitan area,
just down the street from the state
capital, so there's great opportunities
in public policy. My degree in Political
Science has really
prepared me to become a much more
efficient
and persuasive writer. I'm interested in
pursuing
elected office. I'd really like to get
involved in municipal governments and
represent
people on city council. The writing
skills, the critical thinking skills,
the creative problem solving skills.
Those are all skills
that I'm gonna continually use every day
