Lobbying for the future
History alumnus Erik Pederson may lobby for tech giant Samsung in Washington, D.C., but his Seawolf spirit remains strong. In a recent interview, Pederson reflected on his journey, crediting UAA with providing a surprisingly enduring foundation for his career navigating the complexities of Capitol Hill.
“I recently had an opportunity to sit down with some folks from UAA in D.C.,” Pederson shared, “and I was surprised at just how clearly I remembered many of the professors that I had there, and some of the classes they taught.” He emphasized the lasting impact of those formative educational experiences, stating, “I learned from some really outstanding professors.”
Beyond the classroom, UAA’s debate program, led by Steve Johnson and Shawnalee Whitney, played a pivotal role in shaping Pederson’s trajectory. “Without question,” he declared, “that was probably the most influential thing in my career.” Pederson debunked a common idea about debating, explaining, “I think a lot of people have a misconception that debate is about arguing, but that’s not necessarily the case. It is about constructing and making arguments and being able to argue both sides of an issue.” This skill, he argues, translates directly to the world of lobbying, where understanding nuanced perspectives is crucial for building consensus: “When you’re able to understand both sides of an issue, you could come to an understanding of what are the commonalities of those things,” leading to “mutually acceptable goals.”
This emphasis on finding common ground is a hallmark of Pederson’s approach. He highlighted Sen. Murkowski as an elected official he admires, praising her moderate approach and down-to-earth demeanor. “She’s one of the — in my mind — one of the best ones,” he stated, appreciating her ability to “tell things like they are.”
Pederson’s academic background in history and political science further honed his analytical skills. “My major in history had a serious impact on an understanding of not just U.S. government and U.S. governance, but also global aspects and how they repeat themselves,” he remarked, echoing the adage that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.
His work at Samsung, specifically on semiconductors — “the little chips that keep everything going” — culminated in his involvement with the bipartisan CHIPS Act. This legislative victory, signed into law by President Joe Biden on Aug. 9, 2022, underscores the importance of translating complex technological concepts to policymakers. “Not all of the members of Congress have the same level of understanding of technology,” Pederson pointed out. This required extensive outreach: “more than 400 meetings to tell them about the importance of semiconductors in our daily lives.” Pederson expressed pride in contributing to this landmark legislation: “I’m excited to see where the country is 10 or 15 years from now, because of CHIPS.”
Looking ahead, Pederson advocates for continued investment in UAA’s engineering programs. He emphasized the importance of “making sure that UAA is doing its part to help in that dynamic workforce,” given Samsung’s diverse hiring needs.
Pederson’s story is a testament to the power of a well-rounded education and the enduring influence of UAA. He closed with a call to action for supporting the university system: “Alaska needs a strong university system; making sure that there’s a place for people to go in Alaska to help with secondary education is absolutely crucial.” With alumni like Erik Pederson championing its value, UAA’s impact resonates far beyond Alaska’s borders.