For Erin Kucic, the Hinckley Institute of Politics was more than a collection of internships, it was the foundation for a lifelong career in public service.

A 2010 graduate of the University of Utah, Kucic earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Strategic Communication, along with minors in Ethics and Campaign Management. During her time at the University, she immersed herself in experiential learning through three Hinckley internships that took her from local political campaigns in Salt Lake City to Washington, D.C., and ultimately to Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Kucic’s first Hinckley internship placed her on Jenny Wilson's Salt Lake City mayoral campaign, where she gained firsthand experience in local politics and community engagement. Kucic later interned in Washington, D.C., with Molly Allen Associates, supporting fundraising efforts for Members of Congress and the American Wind Energy Association. In her final Hinckley internship, Kucic traveled to Thailand to work with the Burma Volunteer Project, teaching English communication and social sciences to young women from Burma.

"The Hinckley Institute was transformative for me," Kucic said. "It provided opportunities to explore the world while benefiting from a strong support system. Along the way, I formed lasting friendships and gained experiences that shaped both my personal and professional growth."

Originally from a small town outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kucic credits her Hinckley experiences with helping her connect classroom learning to real-world public service. The opportunities allowed her to develop professionally, build meaningful relationships, and discover a passion for helping others.

Following graduation, Kucic joined Teach For America as a corps member and K–5 special education teacher in South Carolina. She later earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, where she strengthened her skills in data analysis and program management. Her career has since spanned education, workforce development, and higher education, including leadership roles with Partner4Work and Educational Data Systems, Inc.

Today, Kucic serves as an Academic Program Manager for Carnegie Mellon University's Master of Science in Public Policy and Management program. In this role, she supports students who share her passion for public service, social impact, and evidence-based policymaking.

What makes the work especially meaningful, she says, is the opportunity to give back.

"The opportunities I received through Hinckley helped launch my career, and now I have the privilege of creating similar opportunities for students pursuing careers in public service. It's incredibly rewarding to support the next generation of leaders as they prepare to make an impact in their communities and beyond."

When asked about her favorite Hinckley memory, Kucic finds it impossible to choose just one. She fondly recalls the kindness of her host family in Thailand, teaching young women through the Burma Volunteer Project, and traveling throughout Southeast Asia alongside fellow Hinckley interns.

From local campaigns to international service and a career dedicated to helping others succeed, Kucic's journey reflects the transformative power of experiential learning and the lasting impact of the Hinckley Institute.