Brandon New '26: a whole new perspective

Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumnus Brandon New ’26, a finance major from the University of Florida, who discovered a whole new world during his transformative summer in Washington, D.C.

🏫 University: University of Florida
📚 Major: Finance
📍 Hometown: Oviedo, FL
🧭 Program Track: Business & Government Relations
💼 Internship: National Association of Business Political Action Committees

How has your TFAS Summer impacted you, professionally and/or personally?

🔍 Seeing Politics Through a New Lens
My time at TFAS in Washington, D.C., taught me just how complex the world of politics truly is. Through both my classes and my internship, I gained a deeper understanding of the many individuals, organizations and institutions that shape the political process and influence lawmakers’ decisions. When I first arrived in D.C., I had a much more simplified view of politics. As the summer progressed, however, I came to appreciate the many nuances behind policymaking and advocacy. I was exposed to a wide range of perspectives on public policy, many of which challenged my own assumptions.

👂 Listening to Understand
More importantly, I learned the value of listening to understand rather than listening to respond. Those conversations helped me become a more thoughtful communicator and a better collaborator. I left Washington with a much deeper appreciation for the complexity of American politics, a stronger professional network and the knowledge and confidence to navigate the policy world from an insider’s perspective.

What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?

🦸‍♂️ Meeting the People Behind the Process
One of the most interesting parts of my internship was meeting the professionals who manage the political action committees (PACs) of major corporations and trade associations. Before this summer, I had little understanding of the work they do behind the scenes. Talking with them gave me a better understanding of how PACs operate, build relationships with lawmakers and represent the interests of their companies and industries.

NABPAC’s Legislative Fly-In and Summer Soirée gave me the chance to meet many of these professionals and learn about their careers, policy priorities and experiences in government affairs. Their willingness to share their knowledge made these events some of the most memorable parts of my internship.

What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?

🏛️ Walking Among History
Washington, D.C., truly feels like a living museum. Living at George Washington University, I could easily walk to landmarks like the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. Being surrounded by so much history made everyday life feel unique.

I also made it a goal to visit a Smithsonian museum every weekend. Since admission is free, I was able to explore everything from American history to aviation and art.

A highlight of my summer was experiencing Washington during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Seeing the city come alive with patriotic events and visitors from across the country made living in the nation’s capital even more memorable.

How did this experience change the way you show up in professional spaces?

🔑 Less is More
One of the biggest lessons I learned this summer was the value of smart brevity. Whether in conversations, emails, or work reports, I learned that the strongest communicators keep their message clear, concise and focused on the key points.

Before TFAS, I often believed that the more detail I included, the more effective my communication would be. This summer taught me that less is often more. By cutting unnecessary information and emphasizing the main takeaway, I found that my ideas were easier to understand and had a greater impact, especially in conversation. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

What advice do you have for future TFAS students?

🤝 Remember Your ABCs: Always Be Connecting
My biggest piece of advice is to remember your ABCs: Always Be Connecting. Networking is one of the most valuable parts of living in Washington, D.C. Take advantage of every opportunity, whether it’s a career panel, site briefing or casual conversation after an event.

TFAS makes networking easy by introducing you to professionals from a wide range of industries. After meeting someone, connect with them on LinkedIn, thank them for speaking at the event and don’t be afraid to ask if they’d be willing to meet for a coffee chat. Be flexible with their schedule; they’re taking time out of their day to help you. Those conversations can lead to valuable advice, lasting relationships and opportunities you never expected.