At a moment when career trajectories in Washington, D.C. are shifting rapidly, students at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs are demonstrating a renewed eagerness to understand and enter the nation’s government and policy hub. This fall, record-high interest in the school’s D.C. Career Connections trip brought 28 Korbel graduate students to the capital for four days of intensive career exploration.

The D.C. Career Connections program centers on networking, informational interviews, and direct exposure to career paths that Korbel alumni have forged across government, multilateral institutions, think tanks, and the private sector. Through the opportunity to explore various careers and build connections during the trip, many alumni trace elements of their career growth — and the networks that enabled it — back to this formative experience.

“I got my first job in D.C. as a result of the Career Connections trip. Twenty years later, I am still thriving and having impact in the international relations and security space. So grateful to DU for setting me up for success!” said a 2004 graduate and alumni panelist (who wished to remain anonymous due to the nature of their position).

It's no surprise that Korbel alumni went out of their way to generously engage with students. In fact, over 70 alumni volunteered their time this year. Students participated in five group site visits and alumni-led panels, beginning with a visit to the U.S. Department of State, where alumni across the Department shared insights on diplomacy, policy analysis, and public service.

Korbel alum Michael James, who has worked at the U.S. Department of State since 2008 and has participated in the trip almost every year, shared, “I've always seen it as an opportunity to pass along the advice that helped me grow in my career, especially as I was starting out fresh in the D.C. world. As I overcame challenges in new roles with more responsibilities, I could provide even more lessons learned for new students. Each year, I return to my desk smiling from a mix of nostalgia and gratitude.”

Another panel, hosted by Silverado Policy Accelerator, convened Korbel graduates working in think tanks, research institutions, and policy innovation organizations. Additional sessions at the World Bank (on U.S. defense and government career paths) and a panel of alumni in the private sector spotlighted the range of opportunities available to Korbel graduates in Washington’s many professional landscapes.

Beyond these structured engagements, students organized their own meetings with alumni, who shared their experiences getting into their positions and gave advice for students looking to land a job in D.C.

“Outside of the facilitated panels and conversations, the small conversations you have with people in D.C. really go a long way,” said Zach Odom, a Korbel student in the Global Economic Affairs. “It’s been really important for me.”

For many participants, the experience clarified the versatility of a Korbel degree. “My biggest takeaway has been realizing that a degree from Korbel applies and translates in so many different sectors and fields,” said Trevor Paulus, an International Studies student.

Others found newfound confidence in exploring professional identities across industries. Jenni Gutierrez Marquez, a Public Policy student, noted that the trip helped her think differently about “rebranding myself and really telling my story through my resume,” while Max Canfield, an International Security student, emphasized the importance of flexibility: “Just because something doesn’t seem to be in the realm of what you’re studying, don’t not pursue it.”

The impact of this alumni support extends well beyond a single week in D.C. “The time I spent there laid a foundation that benefitted me throughout the rest of my military career,” said General George Casey, retired four-star general and Korbel graduate (’80), reflecting on how his Korbel education shaped his service in Bosnia, Iraq, and Kosovo.

More recent graduates describe similar long-term benefits. “D.C. Career Connections helped establish a really firm network,” said Matthew Barrett, who graduated in 2023 and now works for the U.S. Department of the Navy. “There are people I still talk to and still see at Korbel events to this day.”

Some alumni have even returned to the program from the other side of the table. “I was a part of this trip two years ago,” said Shailyn Lineberry, a recent Korbel graduate from the class of 2024, now with Silverado Policy Accelerator. “It’s highly likely I wouldn’t have a full-time role without this fellowship and without this career connections trip.”

For this year’s cohort, the experience deepened both professional aspirations and confidence. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Gillian Dunn, a Korbel International Security student. “People are more willing to help us than we think.”

Public Policy student Banky Inthalucksa agreed: “If you hesitate to come, do not hesitate. Just come enjoy, and you will discover yourself.”

And as another Public Policy candidate, Brylee Grubb Erwin, summed up, “Our alumni have been super kind and willing to give in any way possible. I’m so happy to continue the relationships we’ve built.”