I first learned about MPSDS from my mentors at the UW Survey Center and the sociology-CAR undergrad program. As a student passionate about the social world and the data to reflect it, I fully intended to pursue survey methodology at MPSDS after graduation. Instead, I took the chance to reconnect with my Vietnamese heritage and language, and moved “back”.

In Vietnam, I took an internship at a small economic development consulting firm in Hanoi. I was introduced to many kinds of projects across development and humanitarian aid. Yet, I again found myself drawn towards the survey projects and involved myself in anything that I could get my hands on – This meant cold-emailing partners, writing budget plans, and eligibility screening, etc.

Upon receiving a full-time position, I was beyond happy to work in surveys with international and local experts. For example, I traveled to Cambodia to work with local partners in an adaptive cluster survey on unregistered businesses (e.g. small souvenir shops). In this implementation, I learned how creative sampling designs can be leveraged to lessen the gap of who shows up in the data, and, consequently, in the analysis. I am also grateful for this role as I tried on many hats in survey operations – but the hat I wanted to wear most was that of my clients’ in the design of international surveys for hard-to-reach populations, such as unregistered businesses in Cambodia.

Knowing MPSDS would help me grow into this “hat”, I applied to the master’s program with the perspective – that I gained from my personal and professional experiences in Southeast Asia – on how comparable, representative survey data can foster socio-economic development. My path to MPSDS was not linear, but since taking a step “back”, the gains from the program have been exponential. 

Beyond my coursework in the program, I also support international research initiatives at UM with the International Research Hub. If you have any questions about MPSDS or the International Research Hub, feel free to reach out to me at: [email protected].

By Mi Huynh