Davis McQuirter
Davis is a junior majoring in Public Policy Leadership and Accountancy. He currently serves as a Trent Lott Leadership Institute Ambassador, a Fraternity and Sorority Life Ambassador, an IFC Philanthropy Committee Member, and the Director of Senate Affairs for the Associated Student Body. Over the summer, he was an intern in the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor in the Government Accountability Division.
How did you choose your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?
The Lott program appealed to me because it pushes students to get involved, pursue opportunities, and think seriously about how they want to make an impact. Being around motivated peers and having access to the Institute’s network has made the program feel both challenging and personal to my goals.I chose Public Policy Leadership because I wanted a major that matched my interest in government, leadership, and serving others in a practical way. At first, I saw PPL mainly as a strong path for pre-law students, but I quickly realized it could prepare me for many different careers in public service, including my own interest in lobbying and government affairs.
The Lott program appealed to me because it pushes students to get involved, pursue opportunities, and think seriously about how they want to make an impact. Being around motivated peers and having access to the Institute’s network has made the program feel both challenging and personal to my goals.I chose Public Policy Leadership because I wanted a major that matched my interest in government, leadership, and serving others in a practical way. At first, I saw PPL mainly as a strong path for pre-law students, but I quickly realized it could prepare me for many different careers in public service, including my own interest in lobbying and government affairs.
What are your career aspirations?
My long-term career goal is to work in public service. After completing my undergraduate coursework, I plan to pursue either a law degree or a master’s degree in public policy. Following graduate school, I hope to work as a congressional staffer at either the state or federal level. Over time, I would like to transition into lobbying, advocacy, or government affairs work. I am especially interested in roles that allow me to work at the intersection of policy, communication, and relationship-building.
My long-term career goal is to work in public service. After completing my undergraduate coursework, I plan to pursue either a law degree or a master’s degree in public policy. Following graduate school, I hope to work as a congressional staffer at either the state or federal level. Over time, I would like to transition into lobbying, advocacy, or government affairs work. I am especially interested in roles that allow me to work at the intersection of policy, communication, and relationship-building.
Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?
Dr. Bass has been particularly helpful to me through both her teaching and mentorship. In her PPL 310 course, I learned a great deal because she connected the material to real policy work and helped me understand how it applies to my long-term career interests. Her class challenged me to think more critically about legislation, public policy, and the practical side of government in a way that felt directly relevant to what I hope to do professionally. She has also encouraged me to think more intentionally about my future within public service and government affairs.
Dr. Bass has been particularly helpful to me through both her teaching and mentorship. In her PPL 310 course, I learned a great deal because she connected the material to real policy work and helped me understand how it applies to my long-term career interests. Her class challenged me to think more critically about legislation, public policy, and the practical side of government in a way that felt directly relevant to what I hope to do professionally. She has also encouraged me to think more intentionally about my future within public service and government affairs.