White House transitions inevitably result in new policies that affect federal employment. Over the past weeks, we have heard from alumni and students that the uncertainty surrounding recent Executive Orders has had a particularly profound impact on our Batten community.  

First and foremost, we want you to know that we are here for you. We are in touch with various stakeholders and continue to monitor the situation. The University has developed a robust “FAQ” resource page with updates regarding federal policy shifts. 

In the meantime, we want to hear from you. We invite you to participate in this brief survey to share your experiences, or, to the extent you’re able, to indicate your willingness to help others who could use extra support. We’ll use the results to help us design future programs and resources that will most help you. 

And now, meet Jimmy Flood, BA ‘23. 

Jimmy Flood is a lifelong Virginian, a proud product of Fairfax County Public Schools and UVA Batten. His engagement in the UVA community included Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, Second- and Third-Year Councils, and Fourth Year Trustees. At Batten, he received the Virginian-Pilot Intellectual Curiosity Award in recognition of his “intellectual hunger and passion for policy.” His policy interests include organized labor, social policy, and democratic reforms to make institutions more representative and responsive.

Flood got his professional start in political campaigns last fall as a field organizer for the Harris-Walz Coordinated Campaign in Brunswick, Georgia. He planned events, recruited volunteers and trained people to speak directly to voters across ten rural and heavily Republican counties in southeastern coastal Georgia. After the election, Flood pivoted his career plans and secured a job as a field organizer on Abigail Spanberger’s campaign for Virginia governor.

Q: When you worked on the Harris-Walz campaign, what did you find most rewarding or challenging about engaging with voters? 

A: At the heart of organizing is having meaningful conversations with people about the issues that matter most to them. Political parties and their candidates are entitled to exactly zero votes—they have to earn them. We do that by showing people that our policies will materially improve their lives and address their concerns. The highest-contact and most convincing way to do this is talking to people at their doors (canvassing). It’s really challenging to put yourself out there and stomach the doors closed in your face, but when you reach that meaningful conversation with someone and connect with them, it’s magical.

Q: How did that experience influence your personal or professional goals moving forward? 

A: They say with political campaigning, you either catch the “campaign bug” or you don’t. I did. I had the exact campaign experience I dreamt of — I met Vice President Harris and Governor Walz, staffed (and started the wave) at rallies, had late-night pizza in the field office, had tons of meaningful conversations with volunteers and voters, and so much more. Now, I can’t see myself doing any other kind of work. After my experience on the Harris-Walz Campaign, my professional goals have become to work my way up the organizing chain and continue doing the hard work to earn people’s votes.

Q: How did your time at Batten inspire and prepare you for seeking a fulfilling job? 

My cohort was strongly encouraged to swing for the fences and pursue meaningful change in the areas that are most important to us. What was awesome about Batten was the in-class realization that there are so many ways to effect change, and the out-of-class discovery that many students were already doing it. It took me a bit longer to get there, but I didn’t give up on my dream of doing work where every action felt like it could make the difference, and nowhere better to do that than a swing state in the most important election of our lifetimes.

Q: Was there anyone at Batten, faculty or peer, who made your experience at the school? 

A: Tough! There are so many people! The faculty I should highlight are (1) Professor Martin, whose Peace and Conflict capstone was the only class at UVA where I could explore my academic interests in Ireland, (2) Professor Davis, whose Teams class taught me so much about myself, (3) Professor Johannessen, for covering comparative electoral institutions (my most niche and nerdy policy interest), and (4) Professor Player, whose RMDA Soup Night was a highlight of my time at Batten. Too many peers to mention, but shout out Austin Orfield, who introduced me to Arena Careers, which is how I got my job.