Alexander Nancarrow
“While theory is important, I was concerned my courses would be over-theoretical and not really help me with any real life understanding. I was pleasantly surprised that this is not the case.”
Alexander Nancarrow is studying a Bachelor of Public Policy and Bachelor of International Security at the Australian National University (ANU), set to graduate next year. He is also an Officer Cadet with the Australian Army Reserve, joining the Army Reserve to combine several of his interests; security, fitness and adventure.
Alexander's decision to study at ANU stemmed from its reputation as a leading university for politics and international security and its vibrant campus life. After graduating high school in Adelaide, he moved to Ngunnawal land. Making the move a little easier, he was granted a 50 per cent residential stipend in 2022 and full residential stipend in 2023.
“I live at Fenner Hall on campus, where in 2022 I was the Warren Café and Bar Coordinator and in 2023 am a Senior Resident."
He chose to study at ANU because, “everything I read pointed to ANU being the best university for what I was interested in. I had also heard amazing things about on-campus living and college life, which has proven to be true.”
Alexander was surprised at the practicality of his degree. “While theory is important, I was concerned my courses would be over-theoretical and not really help me with any real life understanding. I was pleasantly surprised that this is not the case.”
His favourite course has beenPOLS2002: Public Policy: Theory and Practice.
“Professor, Dr Azad Bali was wonderful, and the course gave me a really strong base understanding of public policy theory, but also taught me about its real-life applications,” Alexander says.
Adding his appreciation for Canberra, “being near and around a bunch of iconic national institutions, as well as more niche organisations which I have personal interests in, such as thinks tanks like The Australia Institute.”
With some apt advice for prospective students he says, “Don’t fear giving something a go even if you aren’t sure of what the outcome will be. You will regret not giving something a shot, especially if you see others take that path and be successful.”
This summer, Alexander will complete an internship at KPMG.
"Where I hope to understand more about how the public and private sector work together and gain experience in a career field I'm unfamiliar with," he says.
Upon graduation, Alexander would like to enter an Australian Public Service graduate program, with the eventual goal of working in the policy space.
