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Hannah Rehm Buttigieg campaign group shot

Hannah Rehm Buttigieg campaign group shot

Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Rehm '19

Currently works on Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's campaign

What were your plans after SCU and where are you now?

My dream was to work in Iowa on a presidential campaign, and I am happy to say that I am working for Mayor Pete Buttigieg in Sioux City, Iowa, as a field organizer. 

As a field organizer, I work to mobilize communities in Northwest Iowa to engage politically and to participate in the Iowa Caucus. It is deeply fulfilling work. I work alongside a close-knit group who share the same values and passions, and it makes me love my job. Hearing the stories of voters pushes me to work my hardest to win the caucus! 

 

What activities were you involved in while at SCU?

I was a member of the women’s cross country and track team, and served as one of the track captains during my senior year. I was the Junior Chairwoman of Education and Advocacy for Habitat for Humanity. I also participated in Feminists for Justice and various French department clubs and activities. 

During my senior year, I was a public policy intern for the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits. I found this internship through SCU. 

 

Tell us a little about your experience as a public policy intern at SVCN:

I am so grateful for my time at SVCN. It is an amazing organization led by a group of women who work tirelessly on behalf of underserved groups in Santa Clara County. As an intern, I had lots of autonomy in completing my projects. At the beginning of the year, I spent most of my time working on projects related to the 2018 election. After the election, I focused on policy work pertaining to early childhood education and childcare.

 

What inspired you to major in political science and when did you know you wanted to pursue a career in public service?

My love of politics began when I was a child (I have fourth-grade diary entries about ‘08 caucus results!) but it deepened as I grew older. I realized that policy is the most tangible way to bring about change in communities and that it is of incredible importance to mobilize constituents to become civically engaged. Politics are my passion, and political science felt like a natural step. 

Working at SVCN deepened my commitment to a career in public service, and working on this campaign has only reaffirmed that commitment. There is no feeling more rewarding than knowing your work is making a concrete difference in someone’s life. 

 

Do you have any advice for new majors or students considering majoring in political science?

My first piece of advice is to reach out and connect with your professors. We have an excellent faculty at SCU, and their guidance is invaluable. They are incredible support systems and advisors for any academic, professional, or personal questions you may have. 

My second tip is to have as many informational interviews as you can about the jobs that interest you. The SCU alumni network is vast, and you will find connections everywhere. Plan diligently for these conversations and make sure to ask for additional names with whom you can connect. Throughout my senior year, I had many informational interviews with campaign staff at every level. These relationships gave me a leg up when I applied for Pete’s campaign, and prepared me well for my interview process. 

Lastly, get to know the community outside of SCU, especially if you are interested in public service. Santa Clara is a lovely campus, but the privilege and demographics at our university are not reflective of the greater region. Immerse yourself with what is beyond our campus boundaries and step outside of the SCU bubble.

 

Who was your favorite professor and why?

Professor Lukes is an incredibly important academic and professional mentor for me. His classes were some of my favorites, and his views on political philosophy are fascinating. I find myself thinking back to what I studied with Dr. Lukes on a regular basis and I use many of those theories to better my understanding of voter behavior on this campaign.

 

Mayor Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign team is showing their support at the Liberty and Justice Celebration, the biggest campaign event of the Iowa caucus.