Master of Science in Social and Economic Policy

Meet our Class of 2026 Student Representative, He Jundi!

Originally from Tianjin, China—a beautiful coastal city—Jundi enjoys reading, watching movies, and hiking. Through the MSSEP program, he hopes to broaden his global perspective and deepen his understanding of social policies across different regions. 

We’re excited to have Jundi represent the Class of 2026! 🌍

🌟 Student Spotlight 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Yang Gao on joining the PhD program in Marketing & Behavioural Science at the University of British Columbia—an exciting and well‑deserved next step!
Reflecting on his journey at Northwestern and his experience in the Guided Research Capstone, Yang shared:
“The guided research capstone was a valuable experience. Designing my own experiments, working with real data, and presenting at conferences helped me grow as a researcher and gave me clarity about pursuing a PhD. It showed me what day-to-day academic research actually looks like, which made me more confident that this is the right path for me. I’m grateful for the mentorship and support I’ve received at Northwestern.”
We’re incredibly proud to have been part of Yang’s journey and look forward to all that’s ahead in this next chapter. 🎓✨

Photo Day at CUHK with the Class of 2026 🎓 

Celebrating a cohort defined by collaboration, academic excellence, and unforgettable shared experiences.  

The Class of 2026 came together at CUHK to capture joyful moments in regalia as they proudly approach the completion of the first leg of their DMDP experience in Hong Kong. 

We are excited to introduce Sylvia, one of the Student Representatives for the MSSEP class of 2026! Hailing from Guangdong, China, Sylvia joined us with a passion for deepening her expertise in economics.

For Sylvia, this program is about more than just academics. It is an opportunity to embrace a meaningful life experience spanning across both Hong Kong and the United States. She is eagerly looking forward to the exciting and memorable journey ahead during her time here in USA!

Outside of the classroom, you can find Sylvia staying active through her favorite sports, including swimming and badminton. Please join us in giving Sylvia a warm welcome as she takes on this role! 💜

Our MSSEP Capstone students had an incredible and insightful visit to the EY Chicago office this week! 💼✨

Earlier this week, our capstone students visited EY’s Chicago office as part of their capstone company visit. The experience offered our cohort meaningful exposure to the consulting and tax fields, giving them a closer look at the breadth and impact of EY’s work. Students were energized by the opportunity to meet with EY professionals, hear their perspectives, and tour the office.

We are deeply appreciative of the EY team for their thoughtful presentations, engaging conversations, and the time they dedicated to answering every question with patience and depth. Your openness made the visit truly memorable and educational for our students.

A special thank‑you to Derek Drayer, Senior Manager at EY and our Capstone Management Consulting track instructor, for organizing and hosting this visit.

We are grateful for your continued partnership and support!

Strengthening Global Connections: MSSEP Alumni Gather in Shanghai



This weekend, our program hosted a meaningful alumni meetup in the heart of Shanghai, bringing together 15 graduates from across multiple cohorts. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to reconnect, exchange professional insights, and strengthen the bonds formed during their time in the MSSEP program.

Our Program Director, Michelle Yin, enjoyed hearing updates about their current roles and the impactful work they are leading across a wide range of sectors. We are incredibly proud of our expanding global alumni network and the continued engagement of our graduates worldwide. 💜🎓

Welcoming the Year of the Horse with our MSSEP students at CUHK! 🧧✨

Last week, our MSSEP students gathered for a special Chinese New Year celebration dinner at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. We were delighted to have our Program Director, Michelle Yin, join the festivities to connect with both current students as well as alumni. It was a wonderful evening of sharing traditions and building lasting connections as we celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Wishing our entire global community a year filled with joy, health, and prosperity! 💜🐾

Work smarter, not just harder. 🧠✨

We know the mid-quarter grind can feel overwhelming, but a few simple shifts in your routine can make all the difference. From prioritizing your MITs to mastering the art of energy-based time blocking, these hacks are designed to help you stay productive without burning out.

Remember: productivity is about consistency, not perfection. ✨ Take those scheduled breaks, adjust your plan weekly, and don‘t forget to celebrate the small wins!

Save this post for when you need a productivity reset! 📌💜