Networking + Briefings

Site Briefings

In TFAS programs, students continue learning outside of the walls of the traditional classroom. Our program will give you behind-the-scenes exposure to some of the city’s most influential institutions and organizations.

You will have a front-row seat to a variety of exclusive briefings, learning more about the mission of the institution and its policy priorities.

These briefings give you special access to many of Washington’s most exclusive places, such as:

• U.S. Department of State
• United States Capitol – Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives
• World Bank
• Federal Reserve
• Eisenhower Executive Office Building – White House Complex
• Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
• The National Press Club
• Central Intelligence Agency
• National Defense University
• U.S. Institute of Peace
• The Pentagon
• Embassies

“This summer, I got to go beyond being a tourist in Washington and actually experience the work life of this city. I had the chance to visit the State Department, U.S. Institute of Peace and the U.S. Capitol. I took amazing classes and made life-long friends along the way. In the past two months, I have grown so much professionally, intellectually and personally.”

Sadia Saba, Bard College
Intern, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area

Professional Development Seminars

TFAS offers optional seminars each week that focus on different professional development themes. Students are encouraged to attend as many seminars as they’d like throughout the program.

The interactive sessions are led by local professionals from a variety of career fields and are designed to help prepare you to stand out in the competitive job market after graduation.

Many of the speakers are glad to hand out their business cards and continue the conversation.

Sample topics include:

• Networking Tips to Get Ahead: Learn How to Make Valuable Connections
• Job Searching + Negotiating Tips
• Communication Styles in the Workplace: Give Effective Input + Be Heard
• Work/Life Balance Post College: Managing Your Personal + Professional Priorities
• Public Speaking
• Resume, Cover Letter and Interviewing
• Personal Financial Planning
• Graduate School Admissions
• International Fellowships
• Year of Service Opportunities

“My time in D.C. has helped identify my passion, put me in touch with professionals in my field, and made me more competitive academically and professionally. Previously, I didn’t have much professional exposure to international affairs. Now that I’ve spent a summer in D.C., I feel more comfortable navigating the opportunities available to me.”

Shankara Narayanan, University of Connecticut
Intern, National Defense University – College of International Security

Career + Industry Exploration

Designed to help you explore a variety of career paths and to further build your network, TFAS plans a series of career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working in a range of fields and industries.

From these insiders, you’ll learn about important topics affecting job seekers in your field:

• Day-to-date responsibilities of entry-level and senior positions
• Pressing policy issues
• Current climate for finding a job in your field
• Typical starting salaries
• Advice on job searching and breaking into a particular field

“I’ve spent every day here with a purpose to connect with professionals and build lifelong friendships. I’ve had many great conversations over coffee and at program events that have helped me explore career possibilities and apply the advice in my professioanl journey.”

Spencer Daugherty, DeSales University
Intern, SAP

Students will have the opportunity to participate in sessions associated with their program track. Past small group meetings and career panels have featured:

“TFAS has given me a brand new vocabulary of future opportunities and career options. As a student who is not quite sure what I want to do post-college, TFAS has opened the door for me to so many possibilities I can consider when thinking about pursuing my passion for politics. The program has also given me so many connections I can take with me—friends as well as mentors.“

Emily Whitehead, Summer Virtual Program
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Internship: Women in Government

Mentor Mixers

In D.C., it’s often not just “what you know” but also “who you know.” Establishing a professional network is essential for navigating your career after graduation, and TFAS is here to help through our Mentor Mixer events!

These optional Professional Mentor events are one of the many networking opportunities that we offer during the program. This initiative connects you with experienced professionals in Washington, D.C., who can share insights about living and working in the nation’s capital, as well as offer valuable career advice.

TFAS hosts three Mentor Mixers at the beginning of the Summer. At your assigned event, 10+ mentors will be stationed at different tables, and small curated groups of students will rotate through the room, speed-networking style. You will engage in lively and meaningful 20-minute conversations with at least 5 mentors.

If you connect with a mentor(s) and feel that continued mentorship would be mutually beneficial, you’re encouraged to follow up with them after the event!

“One of the aspects of the TFAS program that I truly benefited from was the mentorship program… The benefits I have reaped professionally from this single connection TFAS has given me are invaluable and immense.“

Nicolas Zarbin, Lafayette College
Intern, US-Taiwan Business Council

Alumni Roundtable

The Alumni Roundtable and Networking Dinner has become one of the top-rated events of the program. Students meet and interact with 60 accomplished program alumni representing a variety of industries.

The event features:

• Introductions and career advice from all alumni facilitators
• Interactive small roundtable discussions over dinner
• Alumni and student networking dessert reception

Many alumni facilitators highlight how their experience in the program was a starting point for their career and how they leveraged their TFAS Experience into a future internship or full-time job.

Program alumni can be a valuable connection both professionally and socially during your time in D.C. and beyond. Alumni represent many fields, including international affairs, business, public policy and the media. Our alumni network of more than 19,000 stretches across the globe. Many students stay in touch with alumni long after the program has ended and utilize them as resources throughout their careers.

“We were invited to a TFAS networking dinner featuring over 50 TFAS alumni who are now working journalists, legislative staffers, think tank fellows, and practicing attorneys. As a student planning to attend law school, the networking dinner, and other events hosted by TFAS, were highly beneficial because students were able to build close connections with professionals.“

Jennifer Hudson, Wheaton College
Intern, Washington Parks and People

“I am so grateful for the opportunities the program provided to me. I now get to join an alumni network of individuals with similar interests, many of whom work in D.C. I am now connected to so many people who are eager to help a fellow member of the TFAS Alumni Network.“

Caleb Doerksen, Arizona Christian University
Intern, U.S. House of Representatives, Debbie Lesko’s Office