Annual D.C. Career Trip | School of Public and International Affairs

A career trip open to students in any program.

This trip to the nation's capitol includes employer site visits to major government offices, think tanks, federal agencies, international development and nonprofit organizations, alumni career panels as well as many networking events and opportunities to meet with SPIA alumni. In the past, students have had a chance to visit U.S. Department of State, GAO, the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, FEMA, the FBI, and other international development organizations and nonprofits. The entire week is a valuable networking opportunity and way to experience Washington, D.C. Connect with hundreds of SPIA alumni, making those contacts and connections that you will need for the job search!

The 2026 D.C. Career Trip

The 2026 D.C. Career Trip took students and recent graduates behind the scenes at some of the most consequential offices in the nation's capital. From the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense to the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State to the Peace Corps, visits gave students a firsthand look at the work being done across the city— and direct access to the professionals doing it.

Most stops were guided by SPIA alumni who knew firsthand what it takes to build a career after graduate school and who answered questions, offered advice, and shared tips for those hoping to follow in their footsteps. Students also visited the American Enterprise Institute, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), APCO Worldwide, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the American National Standards Institute, with self-guided time at the Library of Congress and the National Archives built into the schedule.

"Visiting CSIS was an amazing conclusion to the SPIA trip to DC. I learned so much about the research conducted by the think tank community and how to stand out as an applicant." - Andrew Thompson (MPIA '26)

Alumni engagement extended well beyond the formal site visits. Each evening brought students and DC-based alumni together through small-group meetings around the city and at relaxed networking receptions. Alumni panels throughout the week covered getting started in DC, careers in cybersecurity, and practical career preparation including resume review sessions and interview coaching.

"Catching up with everyone at the reception was so wonderful! We truly have the best students and alumni at Pitt!" - Shelby Simmons (MID '25)

"It was a great way to finish off my time in grad school! Always inspiring to see all of the places alumni go in their careers." - MariaTeresa Carzon (MPIA '26)

More information about the D.C. Career Trip and the 2027 dates will be announced in the spring semester. Have questions now? Contact Megan Varn, Manager of Washington D.C. Initiatives at mev70@pitt.edu.