Category: Current Semester
Shefali Dhar
An Introvert’s Guide to DC
Shefali Dhar
Fall 2015
SURPRISE! There is no guide for introverts.
Introversion is in dire need of better PR, and I am going to try my hand at explaining why. The terms ‘introvert’ and ‘extrovert’ do not refer to who people are, but how people recharge. An introvert mentally recharges by spending time alone, and loses energy by interacting with other people. An extrovert (you guessed it!) gains energy by interacting with other people and loses it by spending time alone. While that does mean that introverts prefer having themselves for company, it does not necessarily mean that all introverts are shy, lonely, depressed, incapable of functioning socially, etc. It is time people stopped viewing introversion as a social handicap. A less black and white way to view introversion and extroversion would be as a scale of varying shades of grey. Some people fall on various parts of this spectrum, and some people move from one end to the other. More
Samantha Nelson
The Pros and Cons of Working on the Hill
Samantha Nelson
Fall 2015
If you have ever had the chance of walking through the Congressional office buildings, especially in the summer, you may have noticed that the staff looks super young. That’s because they are – the average age of a Hill staffer is 26 – and if you look even closer, you will notice that a lot of those who are running around have orange IDs, the ultimate sign of an intern. Capitol Hill would not run half as efficiently (or perhaps at all) without intern labor. While Congress is a lot of things, it definitely provides an exciting work setting. However, this excitement does not come without its negatives. Here are some pros and cons of interning on the Hill:
Pro: You are in the middle of it all. If you love politics at all, I guarantee you will feel lightheaded after your first day working in-session. That’s because anywhere you go, you see Congressmen and Congresswomen– those people that are directly responsible for legislation, interstate commerce, declaring war. Additionally, you have the privilege of being “in the know.” Many times, policy bubbles up from the legislative staff before the Member finalizes it, and if you’re lucky enough you will be able to work on or at least hear about the policy before it even leaves the office. You are constantly aware of hearings, briefings, and the votes that occur on a daily basis. You are truly in the middle of the most important policy-making body in the United States. More
Kaelyn Hilliard
Remember Your Roots
Kaelyn Hilliard
Fall 2015
If there is one thing I’ve noticed as a Massachusetts native in Washington, DC, it is that Boston has quite a notorious reputation in this city. It’s known for its cold personalities, entitled sports fans, and branded as the city of blue-blooded liberals. But as a Boston insider, I see things quite differently.
I believe Boston is the city of the diehards, sports fanatics, and impassioned political junkies. Its character is built upon the attitude of its people—tough, boastful, and competitive. The people who built the Boston that stands today were the same ones that grew from nothing in the Southie projects and on the streets of Dorchester. They learned to fight quick and fight hard. Never be afraid to play with the big boys in order to win. Make things work or they never will, regardless of background or political belief. This work ethic may seem over the top, but it’s what makes Bostonians the hardest workers with the toughest skin. More
Carolyn Downs
How to Make the Most of the Semester
Carolyn Downs
Fall 2015
My semester in Washington, DC has taught me more than I could have imagined. Some of which I would like to share. My advice may be generic, but I believe that it cannot be stressed enough.
First, be an awesome intern. This means talking to people and doing work for others in the office. It means dressing professionally and knowing your place in the office. It means working late if necessary; I even worked on occasional Fridays. More
Heather Goldin
How to make the most of Boston University’s alumni network
Heather Goldin
Fall 2015
Boston University has over 300,000 alumni, a large portion of whom have ended up in the DC Metro Area. While studying and interning in the Nation’s capitol, taking advantage of local alumni is a great way to expand your professional network.
A good starting point is Boston University’s own Alumni Directory Application (http://www.bu.edu/alumni/careers/alumni-directory-app/). The app helps current and past students find fellow Terriers by industry and location. If apps aren’t your thing, BU also has a web directory set up. In addition, there is a specific alumni division for those in the DC area. Check out the BUDC alumni website (http://www.dcbualum.com) for more information. The BU Washington Alumni Twitter account (https://twitter.com/BUDCAlumni) posts frequently about upcoming events, outstanding alumni and news from campus. More
Danielle Cantey
Time Management When There’s Little Time to Manage
Danielle Cantey
Fall 2015
As college students, we are often told that time management is the key to success. We often juggle school, clubs, organizations, and even jobs and internships. As a sophomore at BU, I worked three jobs, took extra classes, and was still actively involved in two cubs. While that semester was challenging to say the least, I learned a LOT about effective time management and how to realistically envision my goals. As part of the BUDC program, we are afforded wonderful opportunities to grow, work, learn, explore and connect. Fitting all of these experiences into fifteen short weeks can be a challenge, but here are some tips to help you effectively manage your time. More
Victoria Pache
A Lazy Girls Guide to Always Dressing Fabulous: DC Edition
Victoria Pache
Fall 2015
So you got a job in DC, now you must dress the part! If you’re anything like me, this actually sounds exciting, and it is, for the first two weeks. Most of you probably won’t even make it that far. Well, ladies, it’s time to channel your inner Cher Horowitz. Gentlemen, I have little advice for you since, well, I am not a man. The only advice I can provide is, stop wearing suits and dress shirts that do not fit you! If you are going to wear your dad’s hand-me-down, that’s ok, but get it tailored. OK ladies, here are my tips to looking fabulous in DC when you have little time, money, and are all out of ideas for looking business professional seven days a week. More
Simeng Dai
How BUDC has helped me get my first job offer
Simeng Dai
Fall 2015
As a second year graduate student, I started worrying about my future early this year, especially when I realized that I might not want to be a journalist anymore but rather work with data. The idea of changing my (hasn’t yet started) career path became vivid in April, when I finally decided to do the BUDC program.
The BUDC program has taught me four important lessons in getting a job. After three months in the program, I got my first job offer as an analytic consultant in a top consulting company. More
Julia Cohen
It's not about what you’re doing, it's who you’re with
Julia Cohen
Fall 2015
I chose to come to DC for my career. If I had wanted the parties, or the views, or the lifelong friendships, I told myself, I would have gone to Europe. Instead I followed a path less known in experiences but which I knew would pay off in the long run. When I arrived on my floor in late August, I only prepared to give my internship and my classes my all, friends, I said, could fall a distant third. Looking back on it that’s how we all started, unsure of what the social situation would bring, I sat in the common room by myself on the first night skyping my friends from home and wistfully wondering if I would have been better off staying in Boston.
At the end of orientation week I knew I had made the right choice. And now, three months into my stay in Washington, and four weeks before the end of the program, I stand by that feeling. I came to DC expecting to gain professional experience but not expecting to gain friends. Although I love this city and the thrill of being a part of something big, I can honestly say that when it comes time for me to board a plane in a few weeks, what I will miss most about my study abroad experience will be the friends I have made here. More
