Allison Behrens

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I had an uncle that went through the law program, and I figured that a close-knit environment was what I needed to really learn and do my best in undergrad. I visited the campus and loved how beautiful it was, as well as how close everything was to each other. I didn’t like how spaced out some other campuses I visited were, so it was nice to see that academics was a five minute walk from dorms, which was a five minute walk from the student center.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I spent my summer working in customer service, then started at my current job with the CA DOJ in the fall. I also was in an MPA program for a year, before realizing it wasn’t for me and transferring to my current program. I’m planning on graduating with my MA in economics in spring of 2024. I also proofread and edit as a side job/hobby, and have my own website: roseproof.com

How did Lewis & Clark prepare you for post-college life?

The professors in the political science and economics departments definitely helped prepare me for grad school and my current job. The classes are small and close-knit, so the professors know you and everyone in the major. It makes handling any class issues a lot easier, so I was better-prepared for my program now, which is also a small program. I also did lots of coding and research in my majors, which I do now for my day job.

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Lewis & Clark?

The most important thing I learned at LC was how to do college work. College, whether undergrad or graduate school, has such a different feel than high school, that there was absolutely a learning curve to college assignments in my majors. But my professors were invaluable, helping me through assignments, all the way up to my capstone and thesis.

Why did you major in Political Science/Economics?

I double-majored because I knew that the intersection of political science and economy was exactly what I wanted to do for a living. In both the required classes and electives, I learned to look at either subject through a public policy lens and a research lens, and it helped me land a job in research I’m passionate about. I also majored in both because I did well in the courses I took early on, and knew I could
excel if I completed the majors.

How do you stay connected to Lewis & Clark as an alum?

I’m still friends with a lot of the folks I met at LC, and we visit each other when we have the time. A few of those friends worked in the APP office, and so go to the alumni events when they can, and encourage me to go to alumni events as well.