By Charles Crocker
Spring 2014
As anyone can point out, Washington has little regard for money. With a debt that our grandchildren’s grandchildren will still be paying off, and an ability to pass a budget that’s more in line with fighting over toys in preschool than passing legislation in the government, one has to think if they ever even consider monetary transactions. Well, as it turns out, the currency of Washington is not a five spot with Lincoln’s mug. It’s business cards. A day doesn’t go by where one doesn’t receive or give out info to someone wearing a fancy suit. It’s not about how many bills are in your wallet, rather how many business cards are in your pocket.
In a time and culture where networking usually involves profile pictures and the occasional poke, it’s an enjoyable change of pace and actually meet people face-to-face at briefings, happy hour, or just around the office. Every aspect of this city is dependent on your connections so the ability to expand your network is critical. Unlike Facebook, these contacts aren’t made because they will be fun to troll on the internet. In real life, they can actually be incredibly beneficial to making your time in Washington a worthwhile experience.
Every day there is are a handful of events to go to, be it a speech at a think tank or a black tie gala. Some of these can be much easier to get into than others — unless you know the right people. Obviously there are the connections one can make in their office or on LinkedIn, but nothing has been quite as valuable as the expansive network of Boston University Alumni scattered about the District. With Terriers in all stages of their carriers, whether you’re looking for a buddy to watch the game or an executive to get you in the door at a big lobbying firm, there is someone willing to help you out.
Just a couple weeks back, I was able to attend a reception at which I shared a table with a handful of Republican Lieutenant Governors and other political junkies from around the country. To make the event a little more flashy, I was able to converse with Oklahoma’s semi-recent Governor and current president of the American Banker’s Association Frank Keating. Without the BU alumni network, I would have never had such an experience. Through a few conversations, a dinner, and some simple follow-up, recent graduate Howard Wang was willing to provide me with such a great opportunity that won’t only beef up my profile pictures, but my network and career opportunities going forth.
Just last night, a casual Wednesday evening, Boston University christened their newest lobbying office in DC. We were able to attend and, once again, benefit from such a powerful network of people. With a social calendar updated and a handful of new contacts at a few different companies, my growing network of BU alums continues to open doors and help me in advancing both socially, academically, as well as in my (potential) carreer in DC.
Federal Relations Open House
When the entire city is littered with Ph. Ds, JDs, MBAs, MPPs and every other professional degrees, the phrase “t’s not what you know, but who you know,” has never been more true. Because who know, maybe someone will end up taking you out on the Speaker’s Balcony.
Visiting the Speaker’s balcony with professor Ann Jablon (far right)
