Seminars

An Experience of a Lifetime in Just a Week

The Washington Center offers eight-day seminars designed to provide students an unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, discussions with Washington, D.C.'s political and media elite and an in-depth understanding of the biggest issues facing our nation and the world. Seminars provide a combination of career exploration in some of the most influential fields of government, policy, national security, advocacy and more, while also providing academic credit to align with your major.  

Explore TWC’s renown seminar programs that are perfect for those with a specific career interest or are unable to commit to a full internship semester. 

• Inside Washington
• National Security

What to Expect at a TWC Academic Seminar

Speakers of Influence: 

Through small-group discussions, site visits and exclusive briefings, you’ll step inside the world of policy, national security and related elements, exploring how actions are developed, debated and enforced. Whether you're considering a career in intelligence, diplomacy, law or defense, these immersive experiences will equip you with key professional connections and a competitive edge in the field.

Speakers are experts who don’t just analyze theory; they’ve made the tough calls. They’ll provide unfiltered insights into the evolving threats and opportunities facing the U.S. and the world, the inner workings of policy and national security decision-making and the real-world consequences of these choices. Through interactive discussions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the issues beyond the headlines, preparing you to think critically and strategically for your studies and professional future. 

Past speakers include:

• John Brennan – Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) 
• Mara Karlin – Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities 
• Juan Zarate – Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for Combating Terrorism 
• Jesse Baker – Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes at U.S. Department of the Treasury 
• Phil Yu – Nonresident Senior Fellow, The Atlantic Council 
• Michael Sharnoff – Associate Professor, Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies 
• Bilva Chandra – Senior AI Policy Advisor, National Institute of Standards and Technology  
• Scott Shane – Author and Retired Journalist, New York Times  
• Charles Carithers – Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs 
• Vidhya Ramalingam – Founder and CEO of Moonshot 

Beyond the Classroom with Immersive Site Visits 

Our seminars go beyond traditional learning by taking you directly to the institutions shaping policy. From intelligence agencies and think tanks to embassies and global organizations, you'll gain firsthand insight into how security strategies are developed and implemented. These site visits provide an unmatched opportunity to engage with experts, witness policy in action and broaden your understanding of global security challenges. 

Site visit locations include: 

• White House 
• U.S. Department of Defense 
• U.S. Secret Service 
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
• Cato Institute 
• American Enterprise Institute  
• Center for New American Security 
• The Washington Institute