This March, 23 University of Washington undergraduates swapped lecture halls for policy think tanks as they traveled to Washington D.C. for the Jackson School of International Studies’ inaugural D.C. spring break trip. Immersed in the heart of American policymaking, students spent a week connecting with alumni, exploring career paths in international relations, and gaining firsthand insight into how global decisions are shaped in the nation’s capital.
The trip was planned and led by Assistant Teaching Professor Jessica Beyer and Associate Professor Stephen Meyers. Additionally, Jackson School Director Danny Hoffman joined a number of the D.C. engagements, connecting with the students as well as alumni doing interesting and globally-minded jobs there.
Professors Jessica Beyer and Stephen Meyers sit in on a panel discussion at the Pentagon on March 26.
For third-year law, societies & justice major Aditi Mangla, the trip was nothing short of career-changing. She especially valued the chance to engage with former USAID employees Warren Acuncius and John Simpson, whose stories highlighted the diverse routes people take to build careers in public service. “Everybody that we spoke to in D.C. had taken such different paths to get to where they are now, showing there is no formula to success in this field,” Mangla said.
That realization led her to pursue a summer internship in Senator Maria Cantwell’s Seattle office — something she may not have had the confidence to apply for before the trip. “Pushing these self-imposed boundaries helped me,” Mangla said, adding that “I hope to continue to push my boundaries and explore opportunities that may change the trajectory of my career, develop connections with others in the field, and create tangible change through policy-making.”
Third-year Jackson School student Isaac Lam participates in the March 26 career panel at the Pentagon.
Isaac Lam, a third-year Jackson School student, found inspiration in the breadth of opportunities available within government and policy. He described visiting the Pentagon as a standout moment of the week. There, students participated in a panel session with Frank Kuzminski, a Jackson School Ph.D. alum, and two civilian communication specialists.
“I cannot stress how valuable the career advice given to us was,” Lam said. “I was relatively set on my career path before this trip, but after a week of talking to representatives from every sector of policy and government who’ve had years of experience on the ground, I’ve realized the flexibility of my potential choices and the means to make them.”
For many students, the chance to meet professionals face-to-face offered more than just information — it offered inspiration. From candid discussions about career pivots to honest reflections on failures and breakthroughs, these conversations painted a more realistic, encouraging picture of life after graduation.
“As an international student majoring in international studies, I often wonder what I can do after graduation or what my next step should be,” third-year Hanya Xu said. “Meeting so many different people and hearing their stories in D.C. really reassured me that it takes time to figure out your path.”
Third-year Jackson School student Kalisha Dent talks with peers at the March 26 Pentagon career panel.
Jackson School third-year Kalisha Dent echoed the value of the connections made throughout the trip. From reconnecting with alumni at a special networking event to forming stronger bonds with professors and peers, Dent said the human element of the trip was unforgettable. “I met a lot of people that I can now come to for advice if I need it,” she said.
The trip included visits to institutions like the World Bank (hosted by Jackson School alum Nick Keyes), and multiple think tanks, including the Atlantic Council, Stimson Center, and the National Bureau of Asian Research. Students also spoke with advocacy organizations such as Amnesty International, HALO Trust, Human Rights Watch, and the American Friends Service Committee.
With plans to make the D.C. trip an annual tradition, the Jackson School is building on the success of this inaugural experience to support future cohorts. For many participants, this trip was a launchpad — it clarified goals, illuminated different pathways in federal careers, and connected academic learning to real-world impact.
“This trip single-handedly opened so many doors for me and shifted my perspective on my post-grad plans,” Mangla said. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and so glad I went.”
Department of Defense staff discuss government careers at a March 26 panel at the Pentagon featuring Jackson School alum Frank J. Kuzminski (far right).