Each year, the Jackson School takes University of Washington undergrads beyond the classroom and into the heart of U.S. foreign policymaking. For the second annual Washington D.C. spring break trip, 25 students traveled to the nation’s capital from March 22 – March 28 with faculty members Stephen Meyers and Jessica Beyer for a week of immersive meetings spanning the Pentagon, Department of State, the European Union Delegation, the Embassy of Finland; international organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the World Bank; and events like a panel with early career Jackson School alum. We sat down with participants to hear about their experience networking with UW alumni, exploring career pathways, and seeing international relations in action.
Preferred name: Forrest Wu
Degree(s): B.A. in International Studies; Chinese; Law, Societies, and Justice
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Expected to graduate: Spring 2027
What was your highlight from the trip?
My highlight of the trip was the Networking Reception. Getting experience to network with professionals from different fields helped me learn about all all the different pathways I can take with an International Studies degree. It not only taught me to think more broadly about potential career pathways but also allowed me to make some amazing connections!
What were the most important lessons you learned during your time in Washington D.C.?
The most important lesson I learned during my time in D.C. is the importance of staying flexible when planning my future and taking advantage of opportunities that present themselves to me, even if they are unconventional.
How do you think these lessons will help you in your future career?
Learning about all the possible ways that I can apply my Jackson School degree has eased some of the anxieties I had concerning my future career. In addition, understanding the value of flexibility has motivated me to explore more topics and regions while continuing to develop skillsets that will help me stay competitive in an evolving job market.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
I highly recommend the Jackson School D.C. trip. It provided invaluable insight into the types of careers available, what interests me, and the different pathways I can take to achieve my goals. Jessica and Stephen were also fantastic, and it was a great opportunity to build connections and friendships within the Jackson School.
