My Journey From Policy to Practice

As a recent political science graduate, I envisioned my future rooted firmly in government. I was drawn to public service, with a desire to shape policy. My academic experience, research, and work in my home-state’s legislature reinforced these goals. I was captivated by the idea of concepts transforming into reality through policymaking. However, my time in that environment also exposed me to the impact legislation ultimately has on individuals’ lives. I began to notice how policies are often debated and enacted in abstract terms, sometimes removed from the day-to-day realities of the people they govern.

Over time, my perspective began to shift. I became increasingly intrigued not just by how laws are created, but how they are applied. Considering the work of legal professionals, they can translate policy into tangible outcomes for real people. In my view, this is where meaningful impact can be made.

I decided to move across the country to Illinois to pursue a position at a family law firm before committing to law school. By immersing myself in a legal environment firsthand, I have been able to observe how legal professionals operate at an individual level, in contrast to the broader scope of policy work. I have had the opportunity to observe how each case is unique and how the law directly intersects with human dynamics. Assisting with matters involving marital and financial disputes has shown me how the law functions not just as a set of rules, but also as a tool for resolving real conflicts.

For those with similar academic backgrounds, it can be easy to view government or policy work as the natural next step. While that path is rewarding, my experience suggests that exploring the legal field offers another meaningful way to contribute. My transition has reshaped how I define impact. While policymaking shapes society as a whole, legal practice allows for a more direct and personal change for individuals and families.

Alexandra Wizda is currently a paralegal assistant at Dussias Wittenberg Koenigsberger LLP, a family law firm in Chicago, Illinois. Her experience includes working for the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and interning at the Florida Sheriff’s Association. She recently graduated from Florida State University with a major in political science and plans to attend law school. She hopes to pursue a career in family law, advocating for the best interests of families and their children.