By Lucas Gendron, CDAF Intern, Global Ties U.S.
In early July, U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni gathered for the fourth annual Career Connections DC professional development seminar. Held this year at the U.S. Department of State’s National Foreign Affairs Training Center under the theme Powering American Innovation, the seminar drew more than 115 alumni representing almost 20 U.S. government exchange programs for opportunities including interactive career roundtable discussions, an exhibitor fair, a panel with industry professionals, and small-group breakout sessions. The seminar was a collaborative space for participants to expand their professional networks and explore career paths in the private sector.
Group photo from Career Connections DC. Photo by the U.S. Department of State.
The seminar opened with remarks from Madelina Young-Smith, (now former) Director of the Office of Alumni Affairs, and Katherine A. Brown, Ph.D., President and CEO of Global Ties U.S., who emphasized the critical role that Exchange Alumni play as people-to-people ambassadors. Keynote speaker Scott Weinhold, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, underscored the impact Exchange Alumni make in advancing U.S. diplomatic efforts. “For many around the world, particularly in remote areas, you might have been the first American many people have met or may ever meet.”
The day continued with an interactive career roundtable session, which included speakers from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, IBM, Northrop Grumman, and more. Speakers rotated through tables with alumni to discuss opportunities in their sector, offer advice, and share ways to leverage their unique international experiences.
U.S. Exchange Alumni participate in career roundtables. Photo by Global Ties U.S.
A highlight of the seminar was the opportunity to hear from leading voices in cutting–edge technological fields during a panel on “Careers in Emerging Sectors.” Moderated by U.S. Exchange Alumni Fellow John Donnellan, the conversation featured Craig Hall, Senior Director of International Government Affairs at Chevron; Dana Linnett, CEO of The Summit Group DC; and Dominic Benford, Ph.D., Astrophysicist at NASA, who explored innovative strategies on career exploration and breaking into the private sector. Speakers shared their professional trajectories and offered advice to U.S. Exchange Alumni on how to leverage the skills learned during their international exchanges within the private sector.
As one attendee shared, “I really enjoyed hearing the speaker from NASA on the panel. [He] was definitely the person from whom I learned the most because his field is so different than most I engage with in Department of State activities.”
Exchange Alumni pose for photo during networking break. Photo taken by Emily Rand at the U.S. Department of State Office of Alumni Affairs.
Throughout the day, participants also had the opportunity to strengthen their professional portfolios with professional headshots and practice interviews.
In the afternoon, participants networked at the exhibitor fair with recruiters and peers and attended interactive workshops. Speakers Stephanie Martinez of Global Ties U.S., Joshua Lissauer of The George Washington University, and Larry Slesinger of Slesinger Management Services provided tips on using LinkedIn, resume-building, and interviewing, equipping Exchange Alumni with skills to excel in their career search.
Career Connections DC: Powering American Innovation was the largest U.S. Exchange Alumni event to date and a reminder of how alumni can apply their international exchange experiences to showcase U.S. innovation and excellence overseas and drive domestic economic growth. As the signature professional development event for U.S. citizen Exchange Alumni, Career Connections seminars continue to serve as a launchpad for alumni connections, innovation, and professional growth.
The final Career Connections seminar of 2025 will take place in Seattle, WA with local host the World Affairs Council – Seattle September 11-13 under the theme Advancing American Tech Excellence. Learn more HERE.