November 9 – 11, 2012
Do you have to have a law degree to make public policy?
As an attorney, how many different ways can you influence public policy?
In 3 days, students who are considering a law career find the answer from women attorneys – and non-attorneys – who influence, create, and administer national policy every day.
These women are Supreme Court Justices and law clerks, Members of Congress and their legislative staffs, White House officials and federal agency leaders, nonprofit advocates and corporate lobbyists, and public interest lawyers.
Most of the speakers are veteran policy makers. Their diverse jobs show the range of career paths available. Others are early in their careers. They explain how to get started in a career. A law school representative and law students discuss the realities of getting into law school and paying for it.
About 50 college women attend this seminar each year. Some decide they want to attend law school. Some realize they don’t have to be a lawyer to be a policy maker. Almost all say the experience had significant impact on their personal career plans.
January 7 – 11, 2013
How do science and technology impact public policy?
Do ethics play a role in science and technology policy?
How does the government decide what research to fund?
Discover how you can make a difference working in science and technology policy, both inside and outside the lab. Learn from women leaders who shape federal policies affecting science, technology and health policy. Gain inside knowledge on how policy affects cutting-edge scientific research and really controls the current issues. Explore the varied career paths in science and technology and visit top research facilities like NASA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
During this five-day seminar you will have the opportunity to discuss cutting-edge issues and connect with women leaders from a variety of key government agencies and nonprofit science organizations.
January 14 – 18, 2013
What is public policy?
How is it really made?
What would a public policy career be like?
Explore these questions with high-level Washington women who make policies that govern our country every day. Learn how you can launch a career and become part of the process. Choose two policy tracks to gain more specialized knowledge on Finance, Education, Sustainability or Healthcare.
Over the course of five days, you will talk with women leaders at the Capitol, White House, State Department and other agencies. You’ll meet in small groups with senior women at major advocacy groups and with seasoned corporate lobbyists.
You’ll discover what it takes to get a job in Washington. Coaching sessions on such topics as networking, resume writing, and informational interviews help prepare you for finding jobs and fellowships. Young professional women describe how the job search works in Washington. Senior level women offer assistance in opening doors to help you get started.
March 18 – 22, 2013
How does Congress really work?
What would it be like to be a Congresswoman or Senator?
Could I work on a congressional staff?
Go behind the scenes in Washington and listen to women Members of Congress, their legislative staffs, corporate lobbyists, and nonprofit advocates explain the way Congress actually works.
This seminar is unique. Nowhere else can you spend a week connecting with high level Washington women who spend every day making and influencing policy in Congress.
You’ll meet decision makers, discuss pressing issues, network with women leaders and mentors, and explore career opportunities.
But it won’t be just talking, you’ll also experience the process:
- You’ll participate in a simulated congressional hearing, acting as a Member of Congress who asks questions or a witness who testifies.
- You’ll practice lobbying in a mock lobbying reception with veteran lobbyists who act as Senators and Congresswomen.
May 20 – 24, 2013
How is foreign policy developed?
How does the U.S. conduct international relations?
What would a career in international policy be like?
Embark on your international policy career by meeting with foreign policy professionals and student leaders dedicated to making a global impact. Learn about American foreign policy from women who work, every day, on issues that make the news.
These are women Members of Congress, diplomats and State Department leaders, officials with international organizations, think tank experts, and corporate and nonprofit advocates.
You’ll hear from women in the early years of their careers and from seasoned professionals at the highest levels. They’ll tell you – and answer your questions – about the varied ways to be involved in international affairs, how to get started on a career, how to balance professional and personal lives, and many other topics that may influence your academic and career decisions.