Trekking to the Capitol

Career treks are profession-oriented trips in which students learn about specific field(s) by visiting organizations and learning from professionals who work in them. On one recent trek, CAL Alumni Board member Matt Wasniewski (’91, ‘94M), Historian of the U.S. House of Representatives, hosted JMU students at the Library of Congress. Wasniewski and Maureen Walsh (‘91), partner at SMART Policy Group, president of Dynamic Change Group and current CAL Alumni Board President, organized two alumni panels: the first featured alums working in the federal government, and the second included alums who work for non-governmental organizations or entities that work with the government. Impressed by the testimonials and advice shared by both panels, students also enjoyed a networking lunch with panelists and a Capitol tour lead by Wasniewski and members of his staff.

Taking student career preparation on the road generates a special energy. Students share that meeting professionals in their actual workplaces helps them envision their own futures more concretely. They return home excited, inspired, and grateful for the time and energy spent planning the experiences. Alums interested in hosting a career trek can contact Shannon Wilson.