Andrew Sommer

Denver, CO · MPP Applicant - CU Denver

I studied industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) and over the past 7 years have worked on data processing and analysis with python and excel, business process analysis and improvement, and broad technology exploration.
In my leisure, learning about economics through books, articles, youtube videos, investing, and previously through video games. Learning about politics and policy through books, articles, youtube videos, and events online and in DC.

LinkedIn Notebook

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Why Public Policy

I'm interested in working at the intersection of public policy and economics to contribute to transparency, accountability, and equality of opportunity. Continuous review of systems and policy and their effects are important for ensuring we are headed in the direction we intend to. My aim is to contribute to impactful analysis backed by data that upholds and strengthens those values.

📈 Economics

🔍 Transparency & Accountability

🕸️ Systems Thinking

📐 Quantitative Methods

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Work

Data Processing Specialist

Mobile Communications America: Operations & NetSuite · Oct 2023 - May 2025

Managed high volume data transformations for products in regards to acquisitions, price updates, and general item maintenance. Exposure to the technicalities of tax code between states and cities, special pricing rules for state government agreements, and role-based data access restriction requirements by government compliance.

RPA & Software Engineer

Walmart Global Tech: INTL Innovations · Apr 2019 - March 2022

Contributed to interviews, requirements documentation, solution formulation, front end development, data ETL, and testing of an enterprise software solution for the organized management and resolution of 100,000+ legal claims. Built innovation muscle by being steeped in a start-up environment participating in ideation sessions and testing and exploring new technologies like home smart devices, computer vision, and robotics.

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Places Lived & Traveled

Full lived & traveled list →

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Italy

Traveled in 2022

First major exposure to intercity public transport infrastructure. In addition, how visas, citizenship, and international agreements work.

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Washington, DC

Lived here from Aug '24-Jun '25

Living car free was humbling and gave new perspective of pedestrian life. Also, first exposure to on the ground rallying and protesting.

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Relevant Reads

Full reading list →

The Infinite Game

Simon Sinek, 2019

Inspiring book for defining the nature of everchanging arenas like work, politics, etc. and the longterm vision and leadership required for being effective in them. Defining the cost, mindset, and lessons associated with achieving longterm goals whether it be career, fitness, writing, sports & video game competition, poker, chess, etc.

Leadership Politics Vision

Bowling Alone

Robert D. Putnam, 2001

This book was eye opening to introducing the term social capital as well as the third space. It brought forth the importance of community and its connection to civic participation, political participation, overall quality of life, trusting neighborhoods, and economic prosperity. And simultaneously opposing the conditions giving rise to a cynical and atomized culture.

Economics Democracy Social Capital

Scout Mindset

Julia Galef, 2021

Great foundation for any sort of analysis. Highlights the importance of repeatedly checking one's position and rationale for bias. Choosing what is true and real to the territory rather than what we hope to find or would like to be there.

Analysis Accountability Rationality

Move: Where People Are Going for a Better Future

Parag Khanna, 2021

This book highlighted the importance of competition of attractiveness of quality of life and benefits at the country level. The ongoing battle for top talent and citizens in general across countries. For the US, this could be applied at the state-level as well in analyzing where people are going and for what reasons.

Immigration & Emigration International Economics Tradeoffs & Opportunity Cost

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