Career Services

Careers in Public Policy

Samara Ashley

Account Executive
Cerrell Associates, Inc.
Los Angeles, California

MPP, Pepperdine University, 2002
Double Specialization:
American Politics
and International Relations

BA, Sociology and Black Studies,
University of California,
Santa Barbara, 2000

Earning a master's degree from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy helped prepare me for a successful career in both government and public relations. The practical foundation I received through the school's intense core classes and the skills I learned during my summer internship taught me the importance of applying policy theories to real-world applications.

In my current position with one of the state's leading public relations firms, I am responsible for developing public policy strategies as well as conducting public affairs and community outreach programs for various clients. The degree I earned from Pepperdine, in addition to the experience I gained working for the California State Senate, provided me with the skills needed to develop effective public affairs and public policy strategies.