Nina Moussavi ‘14
I grew up in Encinitas, California, but both my parents immigrated here from Iran. I came to Long Beach in 2010 for college, where I started as a freshman at CSULB. I graduated from CSULB in 2014 with Bachelor’s degrees in Business Finance and French Language/Literature. I went on to law school at the University of San Diego School of Law where I was a Dean’s Honor Scholarship recipient. During my time at USD Law, I focused on public service and received recognition upon graduation for the Pro Bono legal work I completed with the Domestic Violence Clinic of San Diego and the VITA Tax Clinic of San Diego. During my first year of law school, I chose to go into a career in politics and government and have been on that path ever since.
Currently, I am working in local politics and government. I have worked on political campaigns in the area and am the District Director for a local elected official in Long Beach.
Describe a typical workday.
There isn’t really a typical work day in this industry. One day could be filled with meetings with community members, one day I could be representing my boss at an event, and another day I could be in the office doing research for potential programs and ordinances we want to bring to the city.
Do you belong to any professional organizations/volunteer for organizations?
I am part of the local Young Democrats club, as well as, the local Democratic Club. I hope to continue to volunteer with Domestic Violence clinics in the area.
I enjoy working in local government and politics because we have the ability to enact real change in the community. I live in the same district that I work in, so I get to see, first-hand, the positive impact our work has on the community.
Do you display CSULB memorabilia at work?
Yes, not only is my boss also a CSULB Alum, but our District encompasses CSULB, so we are a very proud office
Phrased another way: what advice would you give a current student interested in your field?
If you are interested in getting involved in politics or government at any level, the best advice that I can give is to get out there and start getting involved. Whether you’re getting involved on a campaign or interning in an elected office, the experience that you gain is different from any formal education you will receive. People in the industry are always looking for young, passionate, intelligent, hard-working people to volunteer on campaigns and in offices so there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience. And lastly, don’t ever underestimate the power that a small group of people, of any age, has to make a difference in the world.
I chose to continue my education and pursue my law degree which allowed me to have a smooth and structured transition from full-time student to a full-time employee. If you’re worried about the transition, the best thing to do is to try to have a plan in place and to work hard to achieve that plan. There will be bumps in the road along the way and you will learn to adapt and modify your plan accordingly, and your modified plan may take you on a different path, but the best place to start is with a goal!
I don’t think I can pick just one memory from CSULB as my favorite. To say it was an amazing 4 years of my life would be an understatement. CSULB gave me the opportunity to live with all of my best friends in the dorms, live and travel abroad, make lasting connections with students and professors who continue to help guide me through life, and be part of a community that lasts beyond graduation. I meet CSULB grads everywhere that I go and we all get to share that special bond!
Who was your favorite professor or favorite class?
I definitely can’t pick just one professor or class! So many professors and faculty members contributed to my amazing experience at CSULB. But if I had to name a few… Dr. Aparna Nayak pushed me to limits that I never thought I could achieve; Bron Pellissier was there for me every time I decided I wanted a career change and made it possible for me to achieve all of my crazy goals; James Johnson instilled in me a passion for law and was a big reason why I chose to go to law school; Dr. Peter Ammermann reminded me that it’s cool to be smart; and Howard Fletcher was always a support system when I felt that I was shooting for the moon. And finally, the entire staff at the Bickerstaff Academic Center, who gave me more than just a job when I was in college, they wanted to make sure that I succeeded in school and in life!
I try to regularly attend sporting events to stay connected with the campus. By nature of my job, I have the privilege of working with members of the staff/faculty on projects and programs. I plan to continue to grow my connection with CSULB as I grow in my career.
What made you join the Alumni Association.
It was a no brainer! Like I said, the CSULB community extends beyond graduation. Go Beach!
