On Wednesday, April 5th, USC students had the opportunity meet over lunch with Michael Lin, Research Analyst in Regional Economics Research at the Milken Institute, as part of the Spring METRANS Lunch with a Practitioner Seminar Series.

Photo Credit: Shichun Hu, USC MSISE 2017

Lin has extensive knowledge of human capital as well as community, urban, and regional planning and development. His organization, the Milken Institute, is a nonprofit nonpartisan think tank that uses independent, data-driven research, action-oriented meetings and meaningful policy initiatives to increase global prosperity by advancing collaborative solutions that widen access to capital, create jobs and improve health.

Graduate students and professionals in from both policy and engineering attended the session to learn more about the Milken Institute and get career advice. Lin advised students on how to create an effective resume and cover letter, and how to conduct a targeted job search. He also provided key insights into what types of questions think tanks may ask during interviews and how students should prepare, and shared his personal job search experience to help both domestic and international students understand how they can more effectively approach job applications and interviews.

Gwendolyn Von Klan, a first year dual Master in Planning and Master of Public Administration candidate interested in working for a local government or a nonprofit, said “I am interested in learning job-hunting strategies for when I graduate next year.” She was particularly struck by Michael Lin’s advice to intern as a way of finding a backup career option, in case one's first career option doesn’t work out. She feels this advice will be helpful in planning her future internship decisions.

Biying Zhao, a second-year Master of Planning candidate attended the event to learn more about strategies for job hunting in United States for international students. She asked Lin a question about how students in planning might compete against those in computer science for research analyst positions. Lin explained that there were a variety of organizations that search for research analyst candidates, and those focused on economics will be more likely to hire students like her.

Arpita Sharma

Arpita Sharma is a dual Master of Public Policy and Master of Planning Candidate at the USC Price School. She is interested in issues of health inequities, sustainable land use development and active transportation.  She expects to complete her degrees in May 2017. She can be reached at arpitasharma.net or at [email protected].