Nikko Brady

From the Program’s statistical analysis courses and research methods/writing courses to the final symposium, I have gained exposure to process-oriented work and the skills to manage projects in a comprehensive way. One of the most significant lessons that I have learned from my experience in the Program is the importance of coordinating well in a team setting. Communicating roles and responsibilities that allow team members to work to their strengths goes a long way.

After completing her degree, Nikko accepted a position with the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General. The Office is responsible for identifying and preventing the fraud, waste and abuse of public funds, and Nikko works for two divisions: Bureau of Program Integrity and the Policy and Government Division, as a project manager and policy analyst.

While in the City Planning & Urban Affairs Program, Nikko knew that she wanted to build a career around the policy aspect of planning, dealing with process evaluation and program development to improve the lives of community members. Her time in the Program has helped her to develop crucial skills like critical thinking, conducting empirical studies, and incorporating qualitative and quantitative data in meaningful ways. Specifically, she now works to assess risks and vulnerabilities, evaluate policies and business processes, and develop recommendations to assist state agencies to improve their processes for administering public services.