November 19, 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.”