Originally from Perth, Australia, Georgie Carey MPP 2027 ran for her local city council in the Town of Mosman Park in Western Australia when she was 21. She had long been involved in her community as an active volunteer and member of the Mosman Park Youth Advisory Council, but she knew she wanted to do more for her community.
Outreach and Belonging Associate Nidhi Nair MPP 2026 sat down with first-year MPP students to discuss their experiences prior to coming to HKS. Now completing the Tony Gómez-Ibáñez Summer Fellowship at the Colorado Department of Transportation between her first and second year, Georgie Carey MPP 2027 reflects on her time on her local city council below.
Was there a particular issue or community experience that pushed you toward public office, and what drew you to HKS at that point in your journey?
I remember looking at a picture of the city council, and it just didn’t reflect the community that I knew and experienced. Seeing the lack of diversity, I had this realization: “How can we be making the best decisions for our community when there’s such a big part of the community missing from the table?” Specifically for me, that was seeing the lack of youth voices. For our democracy to work, it needs to be representative—and it wasn’t. So, as a 21-year-old, I said to myself, “I can fix that.” I put my hand up, figured out how to campaign, and learned along the way.
I was elected at 21, and then I ran again four years later and was re-elected. But during my second term, I looked for a way to broaden my impact. Because I was elected while I was still in undergrad, I had learned so much on the job, which was incredibly valuable. However, I was missing the theoretical underpinning of what constitutes best practice when it comes to policymaking. I really wanted that robust understanding to complement my practical experience as a decision-maker. When I was looking at programs, I thought HKS was the best fit. I didn’t think I would get in, so I was absolutely shocked and delighted when I received my acceptance.
“Real impact happens at all levels, but you have to think about your own strengths and interests. Serving my community was the most rewarding experience I’ve had, and that is still a really big driver for me going forward.”
Did your time in public service influence the classes and programs you chose here at HKS?
Definitely. When I applied to HKS, I thought I would be one of the only people interested in local government. One of the most delightful surprises about being here is the community of people interested in state and local impact, and seeing how seriously it’s taken here.
I got involved in the State and Local Economic Development (SLED) seminar, and it’s given me the United States’ perspective on economic development, which is very different from Australia’s. Learning the strategies and lingo has been great, and getting to nerd out with the SLED community is a definite highlight.
I also participated in Transition Term over the winter, where I was placed in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, working with newly elected County Executive Josh Siegel. We don’t have counties in Australia, so getting to experience and understand a whole new, underappreciated level of government was amazing.
In terms of classes, API-501: Policy Design and Delivery (PDD) was extremely helpful. It allowed me to compare how I was making policy with best practices and considerations I should be taking into account. This way of thinking has made me a stronger policymaker.
You mentioned state and local government is your primary interest. Has HKS influenced where and at what level you’d want to run for office again?
It has influenced my future plans. I loved local government before HKS, but coming in, I maybe saw it as a stepping stone to state or potentially federal office. But being here and seeing the leaders around me, it’s become so clear how impactful effective leaders can be in their own communities.
My passion for local government has only grown stronger. Going back home, I think I would love to rerun at the local level, potentially for mayor. Real impact happens at all levels, but you have to think about your own strengths and interests. Serving my community was the most rewarding experience I’ve had, and that is still a really big driver for me going forward.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in applying to HKS?
Be authentic. I know that sounds cliché, but in getting to know my peers, there really isn’t a typical HKS student. Everyone has unique backgrounds, experiences, and interests, so share what’s true for you, not what you think the admissions office wants to hear. A strong application isn’t a collection of impressive achievements—it’s more a coherent story that brings together answers to these questions: What have you already been doing? What have those experiences taught you? What problem do you want to work on now? Why is HKS the necessary next step?
Quick Questions
- Favorite study spot: Sunshine Lobby
- Favorite restaurant or cafe around Cambridge: Le’s Vietnamese Restaurant
- Bucket list for your remaining year at HKS: Do more field labs and experiential learning at HKS
