From Classroom to Capitol: How One Alum Found His Path in Policy

When Craig Petersen enrolled in Boise State University's Master of Social Work program, he knew he wanted to make a difference - he just didn't expect his path to lead so deeply into public policy.

Now a senior policy coordinator for Idaho Voices for Children, Petersen focuses on improving systems that affect the state's youth and families. His work includes efforts to reform public defense, elevate juvenile justice, and expand civic education.

"I was originally hired to work on juvenile justice reform, and that still takes up a large part of my role," Petersen said. "But over time, I've expanded into other areas that impact children and families - making sure they have access to fair representation and opportunities to thrive."

Petersen's current role grew out of the internship he completed during his final year in Boise State's Master of Social Work program. As a legislative intern with Idaho Voices for Children, he supported the team wherever possible - organizing Foster Care Awareness Day at the Capitol, overseeing Health and Welfare committee meetings, testifying in opposition to harmful bills, and gaining firsthand experience in how policy-focused nonprofits operate. He credits that internship with helping him transition smoothly into full-time advocacy work.

"It was a very natural evolution," he said. "I was able to build relationships and see how real policy change happens on the ground. That made it an easy decision when the full-time opportunity came up."

The transition from student to professional wasn't without challenges, but Petersen said the foundation he built at Boise State prepared him well. He often finds himself returning to the core principles he learned in the classroom and in the field.

"What stuck with me the most was the concept of person-in-environment - understanding how individuals are shaped by systems around them," he said. "That lens is something I use every single day."

Petersen also praised the emphasis Boise State placed on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration. "Social work doesn't exist in a vacuum," he said. "The best policy solutions come from working across sectors."

As a student, Petersen was particularly drawn to macro-level social work - a field that focuses on large-scale systems change rather than individual counseling. He encourages current students to explore this path if they feel called to broader advocacy efforts.

"I wish I had known sooner that macro social work was even an option," he said. "There's so much opportunity to improve policy, budgets, and public perception. Social workers bring a critical perspective to those conversations."

One of Petersen's favorite memories from Boise State was participating in the annual leadership-focused programs at the Idaho Capitol, where students meet with lawmakers and observe the legislative process. He hopes to see even more opportunities like that in the future.

"Field visits to the Capitol or sitting in on committee meetings can be incredibly eye-opening," he said. "It helps students see how their classroom knowledge applies to real-world issues."

For students currently navigating internship placement or preparing to enter the workforce, Petersen offered a few pieces of advice: Be proactive, stay curious, and ask questions.

"Fieldwork is your chance to explore what you want to do - and what you don't," he said. "Use that time to network, shadow people in different roles, and lean into uncomfortable situations. That's where the learning happens."

Looking ahead, Petersen hopes to stay engaged with Boise State as an alum - potentially mentoring students or returning to guest lecture. He also hopes to help expand awareness of macro social work pathways within the program.

"I want more students to see that they can pursue a career in systems change," he said. "Whether it's in policy, nonprofit leadership, or advocacy, there's space for social workers to lead."

At the heart of it all, Petersen says, is a simple mission: to make the world a better place, one system at a time.

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