Building a Footprint in the Nation's Capital
by Suzy Goldenkranz, AB 2007

Suzy Goldenkranz (far left) poses with United States Representative Russ Carnahan (center, in the St. Louis Cardinals uniform) and students in the Washington University, D.C. Program before a baseball game.

As an undergraduate at Washington University I studied anthropology and was a student in the Medicine and Society Program. I was also interested in politics, nonprofit, and community work. After graduating four years ago, I moved to Washington, D.C. for my first job. For three years I worked with students in various capacities related to leadership development, political organizing, and informal education. Last summer, I began working for the Washington, D.C. Programs. When I began, the program was brand-new—giving me the opportunity to have an impact on the community and the university that I love.

Washington University created the D.C. Programs to build a footprint in the nation's capital. We work with students, staff, and faculty from across the university to create programs and pathways that will benefit the university community as a whole. Some of the projects and initiatives include academic semesters with full-time internships for students, a long-term strategic relationship with the Brookings Institution, building alumni networks and mentorships for the Washington University community in Washington, D.C., as well as classes, events, and more.

Working for the D.C. Programs has allowed me to combine personal and professional interests and continue to be involved with Washington University. Being an anthropology major prepared me for work in Washington, D.C. and especially for my current role with Washington University. The critical thinking and analytical skills, and especially the ability to work with people of all backgrounds and move within different micro-cultures fluidly, have proven invaluable in my career development. If you are ever in Washington, D.C., have questions about living and working in the city, or want to learn more about the D.C. Programs, be in touch. And if you live in Washington, D.C., please come and see the new suite and make yourself at home.