Vicky Kidder bridges business and policy through leadership

Kidder's experiences culminated with her participation in the Archer Fellowship Program, where she interned for the White House Council of Economic Advisers. This opportunity placed her at the center of economic policy discussions, allowing her to conduct research on issues such as unemployment trends and economic sector performance. Working with top economists, she contributed to projects that helped shape national economic policy.

"Seeing the impact of economic decisions on businesses and communities firsthand was eye-opening," she shared. "For example, broadband infrastructure investment legislation had a direct effect on job accessibility and business growth in rural areas. Similarly, eliminating the 'pink tax' on feminine hygiene products was a policy decision that had significant economic implications for families."

Kidder credits UTSA's faculty for helping her gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive policy spaces. She worked closely with Edgar Ghossoub, associate professor of economics, conducting research on how monetary policy affects economic development and income inequality. This research became a key discussion point in her White House interview, helping her secure the position.

Additionally, her coursework gave her technical skills that helped her stand out. She had experience using statistical software like R for data analysis, which made her transition to working with economic data at the White House much smoother.

"At the White House, they used different statistical software, but because I had experience with data cleaning and economic analysis, I was able to adapt quickly," she explained.

For students hoping to follow a similar path, Kidder emphasizes the importance of building relationships with professors, taking advantage of professional development programs and gaining real-world experience through internships. She encourages students to get to know their professors, as they are some of the most well-connected professionals in the field and can provide mentorship, research opportunities and career guidance.

"Classroom instruction is valuable, but experiential learning is what sets you apart," she said. "Whether it's the Legislative Fellows Program, the Archer Fellowship or UTSA's research opportunities, there are so many ways to apply your knowledge in real-world settings."