A stepping stone to the White House

Elvir Klempic’s passion for politics began as a child in Des Moines and then flourished as a student in Iowa State’s Department of Political Science. Most recently, Klempic (’14 political science) served as director for partnerships and global engagement at the White House National Security Council.

In the beginning

Klempic came to the United States as a child from Bosnia and Herzegovina. His father had a deep interest in politics and the American political system. Because Klempic was more proficient in English, he acted as his father’s news interpreter. This early exposure to politics translated to a desire to understand it more and put him on the path to public service.

“I’ve always been interested in how the government works and how policies shape society,” Klempic said. “Coming to the U.S. as an immigrant from a nation that suffered through war and political instability, I always had an interest in the ‘why’ and ‘how.’ Political science allowed me to explore those interests in a structured way while also developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.”

The path to his career

Klempic felt that Iowa State’s political science program was a great fit, and he was impressed by the faculty and their research.

“What I enjoyed most was the open discussion and debate in class,” Klempic said. “The professors encouraged us to think independently and challenge ideas, which made every course feel dynamic and relevant to real-world issues.”

There were many opportunities to expand his horizons and Klempic fondly remembers participating in the Model European Union and Model United Nations conferences. He was able to apply what he was learning in class to real-world situations, and it helped build his public speaking and negotiation skills.

Klempic credits his experience in political science with preparing him for the rigors of his chosen profession.

“It provided a strong foundation in research, writing, and critical thinking – all of which are essential in my field,” Klempic said. “It also gave me a deeper understanding of political institutions and processes, which has been crucial in my day-to-day work.”

He regularly applies what he learned about policy analysis, government structure, and communication. Writing policy briefs, analyzing legislation, and understanding stakeholder interests are all tasks where his political science education comes into play. All of this has led to a fulfilling career in public service.

“I like that my work has real-world impact,” Klempic said. “Whether it’s working on policy development or community outreach, I feel that I’m contributing to meaningful change and helping people better understand the political system.”