November 9, 2012
There’s no question that Washington, DC is one of the most influential cities in the world, the undisputed center of American politics. And St. John’s University students got to see that excitement up close and personal as part of the 32nd Annual Alumni Insider’s View…U.S. Capital Program.
General Track - Photo gallery
Pharmacy Track - Photo gallery
Networking Reception - Photo gallery
This three-day trip, featuring panel discussions, networking and a sightseeing excursion, brought students to DC to meet a wide range of alumni working in some of the most remarkable fields the city has to offer.
Student participants were divided into a General Track and a Pharmacy Track, each featuring its own unique itinerary.
“Whether you’re interested in Law, Government or Pharmacy, it’s great just to be in this situation where all these alumni are so willing to help,” said Legal Studies major Gary Dunn ’13CPS, who aspires to one day become a Federal Judge. “For every student,” he continued, “there lies an invaluable opportunity to learn from our alumni.”
The General Track began with an on-site visit to the U.S. Secret Service’s James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, MD, where students learned about employment opportunities and how to apply online for government jobs. They also participated in the Service’s virtual training and watched as agents showcased the facility’s vast collection of weapons and vehicles.
At the Rayburn House Office Building in DC proper, students enjoyed three fascinating panel discussions, speaking with alumni who work in government, military and the private sector about living and working in our nation’s capital.
“What makes these panels so informative is that we explain to students precisely how we took our St. John’s education and applied it to the U.S. government and related fields,” said panel moderator Edward Geiger ’80CBA, ’88MBA, a Senior Investigator for the U.S. Department of Justice and a former Supervisory Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “It’s important for them to hear about what it’s like to transition from living in New York to living in our nation’s capital, and how they too can make that shift.”
The General Track went on to visit a number of other interesting locations, including the U.S. Secret Service Museum, the law firm of King & Spalding, LLP and the offices of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Panelist Matthew Spitzer, Esq. ’07L, an Attorney in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, attended the U.S. Capital program as a student just five years ago. The main lesson he learned then – which he imparted to this year’s students– is that networking is paramount.
“I met a lot of alumni when I went on this trip, and I kept in touch with many of them,” Spitzer recalled. “I e-mailed back and forth with them every couple of months and, eventually, one of them informed me that the SEC was hiring, and he gave me an application. I think my story shows just how important it is to keep up your alumni network – you never know when an opportunity will arise.”
Meanwhile, students on the Pharmacy Track were visiting locations such as the American Pharmacists Association, MedImmune, LLC and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, speaking with alumni and professionals about the future of their profession.
Students also enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at Walgreens Pharmacy of the Future, the largest community pharmacy chain in the country, and walked away with fresh insight on the evolving relationship between Pharmacists and patients.
“That was a really insightful part of the trip,” said Feroze Karanjia ’13Pharm.D. “They’re providing a very high level of care over here, something completely new and different, and something that most pharmacies haven’t even thought about offering.”
In addition, students learned about the wide range of jobs available in Washington during a panel discussion at the National Community Pharmacists Association.
“I’m a Pharmacist, but I also lobby and deal with government affairs,” said panelist John M. Coster, Ph.D., R.Ph. ’84P, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Director of the Center for Community Pharmacy Advocacy. “I influence the practice of Pharmacy in a different way, and I try to shape public policy and the political process.”
For many students, the highlight of the program came when both the General and Pharmacy Tracks converged for a networking reception with alumni, allowing students to mix and mingle with many St. John’s graduates living in the DC area. New to this year’s program, students broke up into groups after the reception to have dinner with particular alumni.
“Every student who came down here brought business cards and resumes,” said Laura Cranston, R.Ph. ’84P, Executive Director of Pharmacy Quality Alliance, Inc. and Member of St. John’s University’s Board of Governors. “They were very prepared to network, and I think we tried to emphasize that you don’t develop your network when you need someone. You develop that relationship and cultivate it far in advance.”
Throughout the program, students visited some of DC’s most famous landmarks, including the National World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and a tour of the United States Capitol. By the end of the three-day trip, these young men and women felt more excited than ever about the possibilities that await them after graduation.
“It’s amazing how much our alumni truly care,” said Law student Joseph E. Reigadas ’13L. “I feel more confident than ever, knowing that our alumni support system – as this program made clear – is truly incredible.”