At Cornell’s DC Networking Event, CIPA fellows are offered a unique experience to meet alumni and professionals in public affairs from public, private, and nonprofit sectors. From round table discussions to networking and a reception, the event provided new opportunities to expand networks and link with prospective employers.
Each year, CIPA’s Career Management Coordinator Millie Reed plans various professional development events for CIPA fellows to learn about different career paths, meet alumni and friends of CIPA, and gain experience in networking.
This fall, CIPA hosted another successful networking event in DC to bring together professionals from federal and state government, private and nonprofit sector, and even individuals from research and academia to share their experience, offer advice to CIPA fellows in their budding careers, and have a chance to experience our nation’s capital, Washington DC!
With an extended long weekend for fall recess at Cornell, CIPA fellows had some free time to travel to DC. Many students came early to get to see the city, for informational interviews with prospective employers, or to enjoy the many museums and monuments in the area.
First, round table sessions allowed groups of CIPA fellows (divided by concentration area) to meet, hear from, and ask questions to CIPA alumni careers in the public service. From USAID to DC Public Schools, and the World Bank to Brookings, fellows had the chance to discuss their interests with a host of individuals. We heard how so many alumni were able to pivot their career path at CIPA and how they have established successful careers in their desired sectors, gained insight on coursework, and advice when proceeding with job applications and interviews. 
Later, CIPA fellows were joined by dozens of alumni and associates from the DC area for networking and reception. This one on one time allowed Fellows to talk to alumni and learn about prospective employers. In the evening, fellows left the event with their bounty of new connections, fresh ideas, and wonderful opportunities for expanding our work experience in the summer and past graduation.
