Jack Greenwood ’25: Turning passion into Action
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumnus Jack Greenwood ’25, a political history major from the University of Maryland, who discovered a whole new world during his transformative summer in Washington, D.C.
🏫 University: University of Maryland
📚 Major: Political history
📍 Hometown: Ocean City, Maryland
🧭 Program Track: International Affairs
💼 Internship: Institute of World Politics
How has your TFAS Summer impacted you?
💌 Turning Passion into Action
My Summer experience with TFAS equipped me with invaluable experiences, skills and relationships that have already begun to play a critical role in advancing my professional goals. TFAS’s incredible network of alumni and partners meant I had regular opportunities to attend professional seminars, tour historic sites and learn directly from experts across Washington D.C. These experiences not only broadened my perspective on public policy and international affairs, but also deepened my understanding of how diplomats, analysts and officers make meaningful change happen in practice. Looking back, I recall entering TFAS with a passion for public service and departing two months later with a clearer understanding of how to translate that passion into action.
What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?
🚀 Joining the Space Team
Interning with the diverse and determined community of the Institute of World Politics (IWP) was truly amazing, as it was the first time in my life that I worked alongside peers who shared my interests in the field of intelligence. The best part of this experience was working with IWP’s scholarly practitioners to conduct original research with relevant geopolitical implications.
At the beginning of the Summer, we were divided into small teams and allocated different research responsibilities. My group was the space team, and my role was to assess the technological feasibility of American missile defense goals, in consideration of the recently announced “Golden Dome for America” system. This task required extensive research across open-source platforms in the realms of international affairs, domestic policy, and experimental technologies.
Although I was initially nervous about this project, as an undergraduate history major with little technological experience, I worked with IWP colleagues and fellow interns to channel my research, writing and presentation skills into a comprehensive report that we briefed to senior researchers at the end of the Summer.
What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?
🏛️ Museums, Monuments and Memories (oh my!)
My favorite aspect of living in Washington, D.C., was the immense amount of history and culture that surrounded me at all times. Even if you’re not a history major like I am, walking past the Lincoln Memorial on your way to the metro, and then walking past the White House on your way to your internship, is truly surreal.
❤️ 4ever Friends
One of my favorite memories was at the beginning of the Summer, shortly after TFAS orientation. On a whim, I joined a group heading out to walk around the city, and we toured the Natural History Museum, the Old Post Office Tower, and the National Mall that day. I not only saw amazing pieces of history that day, but I also formed a lasting friend group that would continue to participate in similar activities throughout the rest of the Summer.
How did you grow professionally during your time in D.C.?
🪴 Growth in Impact
It’s challenging for me to capture the full extent of the professional growth I experienced during my time in D.C. I acquired many skills, including networking with professionals, researching unfamiliar concepts and delivering professional intelligence briefs. Just as importantly, however, I also developed a new perspective for future work, defined by a mission-oriented mindset. Rather than viewing different opportunities and responsibilities in consideration of their value on a resume, I have learned to approach every experience with full-hearted dedication, in which I can take pride in the tangible impact I make towards advancing meaningful goals.
What advice do you have for future TFAS students?
🔮 Expect the Unexpected
My advice to future TFAS students is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. It may seem overwhelming at first, but TFAS offers so many opportunities to network with professionals, tour embassies and learn about new career paths across D.C. You never know what could happen. I remember signing up for a panel discussion, in which the speaker turned out to be a former history major, like me, and a former intern at IWP, like me. I not only gained valuable advice that day but also made a meaningful connection that has inspired my career goals.