Marxe MIA student, Tenneth Fairclough II, tells us about the organization and his role as Polling Analyst at Data for Progress, his journey throughout the years at the Marxe School, and what has driven him to pursue a MIA degree.

In April, you have started a new role as Polling Analyst at Data for Progress – Congratulations! Could you tell us a bit more about the organization and what your role entails?
Thank you! Data for Progress is a progressive think tank and polling firm based out of Washington D.C. We create unique polls to help both progressive political organizations and elected officials understand where U.S voters stand on certain issues, such as climate change, health care reform, infrastructure, etc. As a Polling Analyst, I will begin crafting survey questions, interpreting the data for clients, and creating policy memos once I begin my full time position on June 1, as Data for Progress has accommodated my school schedule for this previous semester and started me as a part-time analyst doing training, which I am grateful for.

Having earned a BSPA degree at the Marxe School in 2019, you’re also pursuing an MIA degree – Could you tell us a bit more about your journey throughout these years at the college? Why did you choose the Marxe School and what has the experience been like thus far? Any favorite professors/classes?
It has been a very long, tumultuous journey throughout my college career here at the Marxe School. I began my journey here in 2016, starting off fresh from high school, not knowing what to expect once I came here. My undergraduate career was filled with plenty of activities and opportunities that kept me busy outside of the classroom, such as working for the WBMB station and joining the Baruch Model United Nations club. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in 2019 and wanted to extend my journey further to get my master’s degree and I thought Baruch was the best place for it. One of my reasons was of course the cost, as other universities were a lot more expensive than Baruch, yet my main reason for returning was because I felt like this institution was my home away from home. I always felt like I could come here and feel comfortable but also challenged in a way that would help me grow into who I am today. One of my favorite classes here at the Marxe School was my PAF 9104 Media, Politics, and Public Culture class taught by Professor Waisanen. Professor Waisanen really opened my eyes to the political and social media landscape not only in the U.S, but around the world.

Why did you choose the Master of International Affairs program? 
In my way of thinking, I told myself “Okay, you have learned throughout your BSPA degree about U.S domestic politics, now it is time for another level of that, which would be an MIA degree”. Ever since high school, I have always been curious about how people think ideologically about life and how that way of thinking forms governments throughout the world. Furthermore, I have also been curious about how those governments can best serve their constituents, especially those in dire need, from not only the federal or central government, but from the municipality level as well. That is the main reason why I wanted to get myself involved in international politics, so I could be a part of the larger international political system that best serves the people desperately in need.