Evans Alum Nathan Woo (MPA ’24) on His Experience with Huskies@Work
When Nathan Woo (MPA ’24) graduated from the Evans School, he was eager to stay connected to the UW community and give back to students who were just beginning their public service journeys. That desire to support and stay engaged led him to participate in Huskies@Work, a University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA) program that matches current UW students and alumni for conversations about career paths and professional experiences.
“There’s a saying out there, ‘it’s not the grades you make; it’s the hands you shake,’” Nathan shared. “I don’t necessarily believe that 100 percent, but it has a point. I joined the Huskies@Work program to start building connections outside my program and hear about different folks’ experiences.”
Through the program, Nathan has already connected with two undergraduate students. Their conversations have touched on everything from finding purpose in their academic paths to exploring possible career directions after graduation. “We’ve discussed their life paths, what led them to their degree choices, what they want to do in the future, and the ‘whys’ behind their actions,” Nathan said. “It’s been rewarding to share my own experiences, offer advice when asked, and see their excitement about the future.”
For Nathan, mentorship is more than guidance; it is about mutual growth and community building. “I’m a believer in strong mentorship programs,” he said. “Mentorship done right can be valuable for both mentor and mentee. The MPA degree can lead to many different career paths, some of which can feel niche or hard to navigate. Programs like Huskies@Work help peel back that layer of mystery for new grads and current students who might feel uncertain about what comes next.”
Nathan encourages other Evans alumni to get involved. “What’s the harm?” he said. “It takes five minutes to sign up, and at worst, it’s another connection you’ll have in your back pocket.”
The Evans School is proud to partner with UWAA’s Huskies@Work program to expand mentorship opportunities for our community. Alumni have long expressed interest in connecting with current students, and this partnership provides an easy and flexible way to make those connections happen. Whether you are looking to share your story, support a student exploring their career path, or even seek guidance yourself. For the first time ever, alumni can sign up as mentees, for those who want support on their own journey. Huskies@Work offers a meaningful way to stay engaged and strengthen the Evans network.
For those who have been looking for an opportunity to give back or reconnect, this is your time to get involved. Learn more and sign up for Huskies@Work today. Applications close November 2, 2025.