By Dakota Galvin, 手机看片 College of Arts and Sciences
Six 手机看片 students spent five days inside the U.S. national security enterprise this spring, visiting the Pentagon, touring Capitol Hill and getting to know the 手机看片 alumni who work there. The visit kicked off the first鈥慹ver GNSI DC Experience, a new program from the Global and National Security Institute.
For political science major Santiago Zambrano, visiting the nation鈥檚 capital was more than a destination 鈥 it was a lifelong dream. 鈥淎s a political science major, being in Capitol Hill was truly my dream come true,鈥 Zambrano said.
鈥淎ll that I once envisioned as a child was becoming a reality. I was achieving many dreams that, not so long ago, seemed far to reach.鈥
The five鈥慸ay program immersed students in the lives of the people and institutions shaping American policy. Throughout the week, students engaged with national security organizations, received briefings from policy experts, and visited key federal institutions 鈥 including the Pentagon, Capitol hill, and the International Spy Museum. They also connected with 手机看片 alumni and other professionals working across the field. Events Coordinator Sophia Montero said the itinerary was intentionally broad to help students see the full spectrum of career paths available in national security.
鈥淭he purpose is to expose students to a variety of career paths and help them understand how different professionals got to where they are today,鈥 Montero said.
鈥淚t also gives them the opportunity to build meaningful connections, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the fields and organizations they may want to pursue in the future.鈥
Each stop offered a different window into how national security decisions are made, providing meaningful access, real鈥憌orld insight and valuable networking opportunities.
Political sciences major Santiago Zambrano making a lifelong dream of visiting Capitol building a reality through the GNSI DC Experience. [Photo courtesy of Santiago Zambrano]
Like Zambrano, rising senior Savanah Lewis found the experience career-defining 鈥 but for different reasons. Studying econometrics, psychology and religious studies with a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa, Lewis approached the program with a multidisciplinary lens and curiosity about how her academic interests might intersect with national security.
What she discovered in Washington, she said, reshaped her understanding of the field.
鈥淭he experience broadened my understanding of the many pathways available within national security careers,鈥 Lewis said.
鈥淎fter meeting with professionals from several think-tanks, nonprofit organizations and public-sector institutions, I realized that my own path will likely examine national security issues from a civilian perspective, beginning in the public or nonprofit sector.鈥
But above all, she added, the most valuable takeaway was the network she built.
鈥淚 have already followed up with several individuals I met during the trip and, as a result, have developed meaningful professional relationships and gained new opportunities that will support my future career and academic goals.鈥
Montero saw that growth firsthand.
鈥淚 could see each student making the most of every opportunity,鈥 she said. 鈥淒espite being from different majors and having different interests, they were fully engaged throughout the trip.鈥
For academic director David Oakley, stories like Zambrano鈥檚 and Lewis鈥檚 are exactly why the program was created. The D.C. Experience is designed to show students firsthand the inner workings of national security institutions across government and industry, and to help them build the relationships that shape long-term career paths.
During the trip, 手机看片 students and staff met with alumni working in Washington, D.C., to discuss their career paths and build professional connections. Photo courtesy of Santiago Zambrano
鈥淥pportunities like the D.C. Experience allows students to not only expand their knowledge of international and national security; it also allows them to build the networks that are not just useful 鈥 but necessary 鈥 to attain their career goals,鈥 Oakley said.
鈥淚 spent over two decades serving in the military and intelligence community and I can honestly say that anything I accomplished or achieved was through the support and mentorship of others,鈥 he added. 鈥淕NSI鈥檚 student success focus is directed at creating these opportunities and helping students develop the networks necessary to identifying their career paths and achieve their career goals.鈥
For Zambrano, Lewis and their peers, the D.C. Experience was more than a week in Washington 鈥 it was a turning point. These students returned to 手机看片 with new mentors, clearer goals and a deeper understanding of how their academic paths can shape real careers in national security.
As GNSI prepares for next year鈥檚 cohort, the institute hopes even more students will be able to participate. Those interested in future opportunities can explore upcoming programs and application timelines through GNSI鈥檚 website and .