TFAS Alumni Profile – Cole Caven ’23

Embarking on a transformative journey with TFAS, Cole Caven ’23, a dynamic individual with a passion for language and global impact, shares his remarkable experiences in the heart of Washington, D.C.

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

My internship was with the nonprofit organization The Global Language Network (GLN), whose mission is to use language as a tool to help fix issues in the world. As a Leadership Fellow at GLN, I learned many technical skills working alongside an international team. This included working on core business operations and outreach, as well as helping to monitor language instruction that impacted many people. I can very much say that the experience with GLN and TFAS helped me to understand the dynamics of Washington better and solidified my future goals to be a public servant.

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

TFAS gives you the ability to stay in one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. in Foggy Bottom with close proximity to all major locations and attractions. One of my favorite memories was hanging out with my newly made friends through TFAS, touring the monuments and museums in our free time on weekends. Through TFAS, I was able to meet and befriend many fellow ambitious and interesting individuals, who I still keep in touch with.

How did you grow professionally during your time in Washington, D.C.?

The skills that I learned through my internship and lectures sponsored by TFAS were indispensable to making the most out of my experience in D.C. and have helped me to the present. One of the best parts of the TFAS experience is the Mentor Program, where TFAS partners you with alumni who have been very successful in their field and whom you can learn from directly. My mentor, who I still keep in touch with, is an executive in the tech industry with additional experience in the U.S. Air Force and intelligence community. From my mentor and the experience in TFAS, I learned skills in networking and communication that undoubtedly helped me to win the ICSC Sales World Cup only a few months later.

What was your favorite TFAS event?

My favorite event of the summer was certainly the Alumni Roundtable Networking Dinner. With many successful TFAS alumni in attendance, it was an amazing opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of industries. It highlighted one of the almost unparalleled advantages of TFAS, being its network of 19,000+ alumni across the United States and the globe.

What advice do you have for future TFAS students?

Build your network, say yes to opportunities and enjoy the TFAS experience. There are no other experiences like the one that TFAS provides, being able to live, learn and intern in D.C. So, take advantage of this opportunity and learn all you can!