This summer, Drew Dahlgren participated in the Key into Public Service program hosted by The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest academic honor society in the United States. As one of only 20 students selected for the scholarship out of a national pool of 700 applicants, Dahlgren spent several days in Washington, D.C., learning about local, state, and federal government careers.
Join Dahlgren as he reflects on key moments and takeaways from his trip.
Back in D.C.
I arrived in Washington, D.C., on June 19 and checked into Georgetown University before joining the other participants at a welcome reception. It was great to be back in the city. As a member of the 2023 Kinder Scholars D.C. Summer Program cohort, I interned at the National Labor Relations Board, while taking an experiential course led by Kinder Institute professors.
Keys to success workshops
During the next few days, we met with professionals in public service who have what we consider our dream jobs - careers that align with our future goals. These experts shared their secrets to success, covering everything from networking to applying for local, state, and federal positions. Additional workshops focused on securing fellowships, putting together stellar resumes, and getting accepted into graduate school.
Moderator Stephanie Lai, Bloomberg News, with Dr. John O’Shea, Sharion Scott, and Mona Yacoubian
Networked with 200+ mentors
A trip highlight featured an evening of networking and discussion with special guests: Dr. John O’Shea, scientific director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Health; Sharion Scott, Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Division; and Mona Yacoubian, Vice President of the Middle East and North African Center, U.S. Institute of Peace. Each panelist discussed how they became involved in public service and provided insight into their rewarding careers. We also had time to ask them more specific questions. We networked with more than 200 Phi Beta Kappa Society members, many of whom were recent graduates getting their start in the political scene.
Matched with a new mentor
Another highlight from the experience was my one-on-one virtual meeting with a national labor relations board judge. We had a great conversation about his career path – from private practice to serving as a labor attorney and administrative law judge. He shared his approach to law school and advised how to navigate my career path successfully. I now have a mentor whom I can contact for future advice.
Downtime on Capitol Hill
We had an hour break before a networking reception and discussion panel, so we fit in an impromptu photo session on Capitol Hill and by the Supreme Court building.
Anacostia Community Museum
We toured the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, the first federally funded community museum in the United States. The museum explores social, economic, and environmental issues. The featured exhibit focused on the role of Black arts education in Anacostia. During our time at the museum, we tapped into our creativity to come up with our own illustrations.
Enjoying our lunch break with George Anders, a Pulitzer Prize winner for national reporting and former Wall Street Journal writer
Networking art and science
During the last presentation, George Anders, author, journalist, and public speaker, discussed the art and science of networking. Anders shared strategies and tips on how to get our foot in the door with people in powerful positions.
A lasting impression
What impressed me the most about Phi Beta Kappa’s Key Into Public Service program was the time and effort our hosts put into organizing the experience. They tailored everything to our needs and interests.
Biggest takeaways
I would recommend this program to anyone passionate about serving the public and working for the government. This experience was collaborative, trajectory-setting, and horizon-expanding. I loved being surrounded by competitive, competent people, but instead of being pitted against one another, we came together and helped each other aim for our goals. Since we came from different places and had varied aspirations, it created a camaraderie among the group.
One of my favorite Marching Mizzou memories: Cotton Bowl Classic 2023
Back to the ZOU
I left Washington, D.C., on June 23, feeling inspired and confident about my future career goals. I am spending the rest of my summer as an intern for a political consulting firm in Chicago, Illinois.
I look forward to returning to Mizzou this fall, ready to see friends and get back to my favorite activities - performing in the baritone section of Marching Mizzou, serving as chairman of the Washington Society, and tutoring students at the Writing Center. After I graduate in May, I plan on attending law school where I’ll specialize in constitutional or labor law.