Jacob Garber

Bachelor of Arts 2014, English & Creative Writing

Jacob Garber began in digital media as a Campus Campaign Coordinator for Teach For America's Maryland/DC Growth Portfolio in 2012. After graduating with research experience in SMPA, he joined the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, where he helped connect EdTech startups with lower income classrooms in the Bay Area. After earning his Master's in early 2016, Jacob joined Bully Pulpit Interactive, where he led digital media planning for several Democratic orgs during the 2018 midterms. He spent the following year as Deputy Director of Paid Media for Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, and is now the Digital Media Director at the Democratic super PAC Priorities USA.

What excites you about the work you do? The fundamental mission of my work is to elect Democrats and help shepherd the nation towards a more progressive future. When you believe in the mission, and it’s inextricable from your own morals, every day is exciting.

What is the most significant career experience you've had so far, and what made it meaningful to you? When Senator Warren dropped out of the presidential primary, she reminded us of the immense work we had on the horizon, and told us to fight only righteous fights. About a week later, COVID arrived in full form, and many of us found ourselves deeply afraid for the future of our nation. Her advice became a guiding light for me, as I know it is for many others.

How did GWU and the UHP prepare you for your professional journey? In what ways has your career evolved since you graduated from GWU? While your major often teaches you how to work, the UHP teaches you how to think. The throughline for my career path isn't my educational training (I have two English degrees). It’s the subjects that challenge me the most and the causes that I care most about. I always felt that the thesis of the UHP was that improving oneself and improving the world are inextricably tied, and I've tried to keep that at the forefront of my mind.

Advice for current UHP students: Your opportunities are boundless. Let that liberate, not paralyze you.