Turning Technical Experience into Policy Impact
Name: Kent Keil
Home Country: United States
Degree Program: Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP)
Before joining the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), what were you doing?
My career has primarily focused on technology leadership in national security environments. Most recently, the doors opened for me to support the Joint Chiefs of Staff with their AI and digital modernization efforts.My experiences, from operations centers in Iraq to boardrooms in the Pentagon, have driven my desire to move from reacting to policy to actively shaping it in an informed and meaningful way.
What led you to Johns Hopkins SAIS?
For a decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of technology and national security, observing how policy shapes emerging technologies and the gaps in understanding on both sides. My experiences, from operations centers in Iraq to boardrooms in the Pentagon, have driven my desire to move from reacting to policy to actively shaping it in an informed and meaningful way. Johns Hopkins SAIS stood out as the premier institution that bridges this divide.How do you see your education helping to build your expertise and expand your network?
The Master of Arts in Global Policy program at SAIS is providing me with a comprehensive framework to understand how policy decisions are impacting technology development and implementation. While I've led numerous technical solutions throughout my career, SAIS is equipping me with academic tools to evaluate these solutions within broader geopolitical contexts. Specifically, I’ve enjoyed having thoughtful conversations with my professors during office hours to further understand technology through different policy contexts.What has been one of your favorite classes at SAIS?
I've enjoyed the lectures and discussions with all of my professors. If I had to choose one specific class, it would be Conflict and Negotiation. The passion Professor Vuković brings to the classroom, coupled with his experience as one of the world’s foremost experts in peace mediation, made his class particularly illuminating and memorable.
Caption: Kent Keil and Professor Siniša Vuković
What do you plan on pursuing after graduation?
One of the main reasons I chose the MAGP program is that it allows me to simultaneously pursue professional development and academics. Upon graduation, I will be serving as a TechCongress Senior Congressional Innovation Fellow, supporting policymakers on Capitol Hill.What is one piece of advice you would give to students in the process of choosing graduate schools?
Start with the end in mind. This is one reason why admissions committees require a statement of purpose—not only to evaluate your written communication skills but to encourage reflection on your motivation for attending graduate school, beyond the brand or ranking. I recommend carefully considering the outcomes associated with the schools you’re applying to and the career paths they support. At the end of the day, a degree is a means to an end, not an end in itself.If you are looking to learn more about what it's like to be a current student at Johns Hopkins SAIS, we encourage you to schedule a virtual appointment with one of our Admissions Fellows.
Enjoyed reading Kent's experience? Learn more about our Master of Arts in Global Policy (MAGP).
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