Evidence for Measuring & Shaping Policy
Semester: Evidence for Measuring & Shaping Policy
Faculty Advisor: Shannon Mudd
Field Site: Econsult Solutions Inc.
Field Supervisor: Cassandra Brown
Praxis Poster:
PIS_Pragya Silwal_Revised
Further Context:
This Spring, I worked as a Research Analyst at Econsult Solutions, a boutique consulting firm in Philadelphia. As an Economics major with minors in Cities and Data Science, the intersection of urban policies and economics is deeply exciting to me.
I designed this course specifically with the intention of learning how data-driven insights are produced and how policy recommendations are formed within the domain of urban economics. During my time at ESI, I’ve been able to achieve this while working on projects for a broad range of clients throughout the U.S. . I’ve been involved in tasks ranging from collecting and visualizing data, creating GIS maps, to reading and consolidating policy pieces and background literatures for the diverse clientele.
My favorite part has been learning to use ArcGIS and working with spatial data. During my first week at work, I was shown a map and asked if I had any ideas around it. Latching on to that moment, I began experimenting with GIS and ended up producing multiple maps for different projects. Additionally, I also have been able to get to the more theoretical part of Economics while conducting economic impact analysis for clients and learning to use corporate software like Implan.
This semester has been a wonderful exposure to the world of economic consulting – what the day-to-day activities look like, and the skillsets needed to prepare for it. On top of that, ESI has been an amazing place to work, thanks to both the scope of their work and the office community. I’m grateful to have had this learning opportunity.