Jordan McGillis is a Young Voices alumni and economics editor at City Journal for the Manhattan Institute. He was also recently selected for TFAS’ Robert Novak fellowship, participating in the 2025 - 26 class.
Jordan McGillis’ Success Story Interview:
You were recently selected for the Robert Novak Fellowship with your project covering Industrial Policy with American Characteristics. What is the biggest thing you hope to accomplish through this fellowship?
The Novak Fellowship will serve as a 'forcing function' for me, narrowing my work to a specific scope in order to develop some real expertise and gravitas. I'm intrinsically motivated to write about all sorts of things, many of which are fun but not my top priority. This will force me to focus on what's important. At the end of the fellowship I hope to be recognized by policymakers here and abroad for my project, Industrial Policy with American Characteristics.
You've managed to develop a strong editorial and policy based career for yourself. How has working with Young Voices helped you strengthen your voice as a writer and commentator?
I was a pretty seasoned writer coming in, but where YV really helped me grow was with my interview presence though episodes of Moving Forward with Young Voices.
Which media placement that the Young Voices content team helped you place are you most proud of?
Molly Kate and the YV team landed pieces for me in two outlets that are widely-read and influential in the Indo-Pacific policy world, Nikkei Asia and The Diplomat. I'd had my eye on those publications for ages and I appreciate YV's tireless pitching.
You mostly cover tech, energy, and industry at City Journal. Are you optimistic about the state of American industry right now? What is the biggest thing people should consider on these issues that you believe is being overlooked?
Much is made of America's strategic dependencies, but America's tech industry generates more new and valuable ideas than any other country's (and possibly more than all other countries' combined). We have a lot going for us.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career centered around public policy commentary as you have done?
Some hypertalented writers are able to stay behind their keyboards and build successful careers. For me and I think most others, though, making yourself visible and known IRL to editors, think tanks, peers, etc. increases the probability of catching a big career break. Gotta get out there.
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