November 07, 2011
Washington, DC is a city of unparalleled excitement, filled with
today’s most influential movers and shakers. Among them are alumni
from St. John’s University, professionals who play a major role in
some of the District’s leading industries.
Photo Gallery
Students had the unique opportunity to see these alumni in
action as part of the 31st Annual Alumni Insider’s View…U.S.
Capital Program, a three-day trip featuring on-site visits, panel
discussions, networking receptions and, of course, some sightseeing
at DC’s most historic landmarks.
“We’ve been offering this program for over three decades,
allowing students to see the most dynamic career opportunities
available in our nation’s capital,” said Victor Ramos ’91CBA,
’93MBA, Associate Vice President, Division of Institutional
Advancement. “Our DC-area alumni are extremely generous, taking
time out of their busy schedules to participate as panelists and
explain what it’s like to work in this exciting city.”
The day began in Maryland, where students visited MedImmune, a
leader in the biopharmaceutical industry. A panel of alumni experts
analyzed the recent healthcare reforms and also shared advice on
how to establish a successful career in DC.
“This is truly a great city,” said Ann Y. Lin, R.Ph. ’84P,
’86Pharm.D., Dean and Professor of the School of Pharmacy at the
College of Notre Dame of Maryland. “We have direct access to so
many individuals who influence our country’s healthcare system – an
experience entirely unique to DC.”
Lin recommended that students take advantage of the diverse
education provided by St. John’s.
“What I’ve found is that you have to be open to learning, to be
willing to experience different things that will make you a
well-rounded professional,” she said. “Embrace the liberal arts
component of your education and build on it – that’s the key to
success.”
Afterwards, students in St. John’s College of Pharmacy and
Allied Health Professions stayed in Maryland for a series of events
designed exclusively for them. This special Pharmacy track –
created with the support of St. John’s University Board of
Governors Members Robert Fuentes, Pharm.D. ’77P and
Laura Cranston, R.Ph. ’84P – allowed participants to attend a
networking reception specifically for Pharmacy and healthcare
professionals and tour the Food and Drug Administration the
following day.
The
rest of the students traveled to DC, where they spent the next two
days meeting alumni, touring landmarks and discussing life in the
nation’s capital.
At the Rayburn House Office Building, the students attended
panels about the diversity of employment opportunities in
Washington, DC.
One of the panelists – Kaitlin J. McGovern ’08C – was a student
participant in the AIV…U.S. Capital Program just a few years ago.
Now she works as the Researcher of U.S. Government Affairs for
Statoil, an international energy company with a presence in over 30
countries.
“I know it’s cliché, but if you can handle New York City, then
you can handle anything,” she told the students. “Working in DC is
great, and the primary advice I have for you is simple: don’t be
afraid to approach St. John’s alumni. The experience that has come
out of the University is amazing, and it’s waiting for you to tap
into it. Work hard, be persistent and you’ll be able to live your
dreams.”
Other highlights of the program included a panel discussion
about the U.S. Military and tours of the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission, the U.S. Secret Service Headquarters and the
U.S. Capitol.
Students found the program rewarding and gained a much clearer
picture of what it’s like to work in DC.
“The
panelists opened my mind on so many subjects,” said senior
Psychology major Stephanie Coirin ’12C. “Most notably, I learned
that the majority of career paths don’t follow a straight line.
There are actually many different ways you can break into the
professional world, and the alumni helped to make that clear.”
Journalism major Terence Cullen ’12CPS covered the program for
the
Torch, the University’s student newspaper. As an aspiring
political reporter, he found the trip particularly
interesting.
“Reporting on the AIV…U.S. Capital Program was a profound
experience,” he said. “Every student I spoke to said that they came
away from the trip fulfilled and amazed after speaking with the
various alumni in the area. The panels, tours and free time in the
city made for a truly enriching opportunity.”