SPECIAL EVENTS

Networking

Rep. Mary Bono (R-Calif.) receives aTFAS t-shirt from IBGA board member Bob Meissner after speaking at the IBGA 15th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

In the nation’s capital, getting ahead is all about “who you know” and IBGA students see it first-hand throughout the summer. Students regularly attend fundraisers, receptions or dinners, coalition meetings, office outings and Capitol Hill events. In addition, the Institute introduces students to numerous experts and leaders in the lobbying sector, providing the framework in which students can look for a job after college. Many graduates have been hired by their intern sponsors, or find job leads through connections made during the summer.

Students get the opportunity to meet various top lobbyists for lunch with four to six other students. Here, students meet with Brian Lopina of Patton Boggs in 2007

At least once during the summer 4-5 students meet as a group with high-profile professionals and industry specialists. The small gathering setting allows for students to have one on one conversations with some of the town's most influential policy leaders. Speakers discuss their professional background, provide career advice and answer questions on current issues. This is a special opportunity for students to add top level public policy specialists to their network of contacts they make throughout the program.

“I met a number of really great people this summer; my fellow students, coworkers, and professors. These relationships and the insight I gained for my future made my summer in Washington, DC extremely important and meaningful."
Petra Bartakova
University of New York in Prague
Intern, Contract Services Association