TFAS Alumni Profile – Alexis Thomas ’24
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumna Alexis Thomas ’24, a political science major from Boston College, who discovered a whole new world during her transformative summer in Washington, D.C. As a standout intern at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, Alexis delved into the heart of foreign policy and gained hands-on experience in diplomacy and national security that would shape her career path. Living in such a historic city, she enjoyed exploring the sites and embracing all D.C. offers.
🎓 University: Boston College
📚 Major: Political Science
📍 Hometown: Pine Hill, NJ
🧭 Program Track: International Affairs
💼 Internship: Jewish Institute for National Security of America
What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?
🙌 Experiential learning
I spent most of my time at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America writing memos and tracking developments on the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East and other current events. JINSA does both think tanks and educational programs, so I had the chance to sit in on policy meetings and speak to various American and Israeli officials on national security issues. These experiences helped solidify my interest in foreign policy while improving my research skills. This opportunity helped me expand on things I have learned in the classroom and apply them during a pivotal time in U.S. and Middle Eastern security.
What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?
🏛️ Experiencing History
My favorite part of living in D.C. is having the opportunity to be here while pivotal events in U.S. politics are happening simultaneously, like the upcoming presidential election and many influential foreign leaders visiting. I love soaking up the environment and all the fantastic museums, monuments, and history in this city. We have visited D.C. neighborhoods like Georgetown, Navy Yard and Adams Morgan. One of my favorite memories was watching the first presidential debate with my friends and fellow interns.
🔗 New City, New Connections
I have been able to network with many different D.C. professionals across various government and private work sectors. I have been so lucky to make so many amazing friends through living in my affinity unit and being able to experience everything D.C. has to offer with them.
MY TFAS SUMMER IN DC HONED MY NETWORKING SKILLS AND ENHANCED MY CONFIDENCE
alexis thomas ’24
How did you grow professionally during your time in Washington, D.C.?
🤝 Growing your Network + Confidence
My TFAS summer in D.C. honed my networking skills and enhanced my confidence in reaching out to D.C. professionals who do work I’m interested in. TFAS events and my internship have allowed me to refine my interests further and given me the tools to explore different careers. One of my mentors has been Colin Parks, the TFAS International Affairs track director. He always has great tips and tricks for navigating internships, graduate school and the post-graduate world in D.C. As someone who came to D.C. not knowing anyone, Colin has helped me acclimate to life in the city and navigate the workplace.
What was your favorite TFAS event?
🪞 Reflecting on the Summer
My favorite TFAS event was the donor meeting for the Spencer Fellows. As a Spencer Fellow, I received a full scholarship to the summer TFAS program and could attend special events with a great group of fellows. For our donor meeting, we met with Diana Davis Spencer, where we shared our experiences in the program and what lessons we have taken away from our summer in D.C. I appreciated the event because D.C. life and the TFAS program can be hectic, and I hadn’t taken too much time to sit down and reflect on my experience until then. It was also great to express my thankfulness for my scholarship and the opportunities it has afforded me as a Spencer Fellow.
💂 British Embassy
Another event I enjoyed was the briefing at the British Embassy. It was my first time on Embassy Row, and we had the chance to hear from British diplomats about their work, how they navigate American political life and the U.S.-Britain special relationship.
What advice do you have for future TFAS students?
☀️ Seize Everyday
My advice for future students is to seize every opportunity TFAS presents you, whether it be a small group discussion or networking event. Although this may seem obvious, it can be hard to stay motivated to attend all these events and make the most out of them when balancing a social life, internships and classes during the summer. Whenever I go to events, I try to ask questions and stay engaged, no matter how tired I am.
🫵 Put Yourself Out There
Engage with speakers and panelists who share their interests and get their business cards to set up a casual meeting with them. It can seem scary, but most people love to talk about their work and engage with TFAS students.