Workforce Exploration
This four-day immersive experience is designed to build the knowledge, skills and networks critical to your professional future.
In today's rapidly changing professional world, fueled by advancements in technology, AI and evolving work dynamics, staying ahead of the curve is essential. The Washington Center's Workforce Exploration program is designed to help you understand these changes and seize new opportunities.
This program bridges the gap between academic theory, rapidly changing employment landscape and the tangible skills employers seek, providing insight into the skills and networks that open doors to rewarding jobs.
Key Highlights & Activities:
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Explore Workforce Trends: Stay updated on the latest job market trends, including the impact of technology and AI on various industries and the sectors with highest growth and earning potential.
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Develop Professional Skills: Workshops and discussions to build strategies for transitioning to a new industry or career path and gain confidence in reentering the workforce after a break.
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Hands-on Learning: Practical workshops to help you navigate today’s fast-paced professional settings effectively.
Join us this November and take the next step toward a dynamic and successful career.
2023 Program Highlights
- 96% gained a clear understanding of the skills needed for entry into their field.
- 90% now have a better understanding of potential career paths within their preferred industry.
- 93% enhanced their networking skills.
The Power of TWC’s Short-Term Immersion Programs
Whether you are about to embark on your professional journey or are seeking to make a significant career change, TWC’s four-day immersion programs are designed to provide you with skills like networking and career marketing to succeed in today's dynamic job market, with a particular focus on the D.C. landscape.
Why It Matters:
- Adapting to Change: In a world where more than two-thirds of the fastest-growing job roles didn’t exist 20 years ago, understanding the evolving job landscape is crucial.
- Technological Impact: 71% of recruiters say they’d rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills more than an experienced candidate without them. Job postings on LinkedIn that mention AI more than doubled globally between 2021 and 2023.
- Skill Evolution: As 66% of leaders now prioritize AI skills, gaining relevant expertise ensures you remain competitive.
By participating in our Workforce Exploration program, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current job market and learn how to position yourself for success. Our programs equip you with the tools, strategies, and confidence to navigate the competitive job landscape and achieve your career aspirations.
The program's immersive curriculum and networking opportunities exposed me to invaluable skills and insights crucial for success in today's dynamic landscape.”
Felicia Ilori, 2024 TWC Short-Term Program Participant
Scholarship Opportunities to Increase Access
Scholarships may be available to eligible students attending colleges/universities in Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
To be considered for a scholarship, accepted students meeting residency and other eligibility requirements must commit to attending and fully participating in Workforce Exploration in Washington, D.C. from November 7-10, 2024. Students must also commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during their program experience.
Housing and Living
During Workforce Exploration, which is held in the nation’s capital, you’ll stay in TWC’s furnished intern housing in NoMa, a cosmopolitan neighborhood full of unique restaurants and nightlife.
You’ll be within walking distance of the National Mall and the best that D.C. has to offer (not to mention essentials like grocery stores and the Metro).
A program-only option is also available for students who wish to commute to the program daily.
Housing
Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want and even some perks you might not have expected.
Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:
- a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
- refrigerator
- microwave
- dishwasher
- iron and ironing board
- vacuum cleaner
- mop and broom
- washer and dryer
- wi-fi
What to Pack
Please be prepared to pack the following:
- bed linens (twin XL sheets)
- bath towels
- blanket
- pillow
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business casual or smart casual attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- laptop (optional)
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Housing Services
Our housing is managed by a dedicated housing services team to ensure you have everything you need to live comfortably.
We want every student to be able to maximize their experience, so we offer reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities. TWC's housing is ADA accessible, and wheelchair accessible apartments are available to participants who need them. We also allow documented service animals and emotional support animals.
Eligibility
This program is recommended for individuals who are interested in exploring various career paths, changing industries or understanding workforce trends. To be eligible to participate, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- If accepted, commit to attending and fully participating in Workforce Exploration in Washington, D.C. from November 7-10, 2024.
- If accepted, commit to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies (including the Student Code of Conduct) before and during their program experience.
All TWC programs are designed to be inclusive, equitable and accessible to all, including those from historically marginalized backgrounds, those with disabilities and neurodiverse populations. Students from these groups are encouraged to apply:
- Women
- Veterans
- LGBTQ+
- First-generation students
- Persons with disabilities
- Neurodiverse individuals
- Low-income individuals (as measured by Pell Grant eligibility)
- Individuals from historically marginalized racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Students who attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, ANNAPISIs, Tribal Colleges and other MSIs
Program Cost
The program costs $1,095, including housing at TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility. The cost for the program only, without housing, is $695 for those who wish to commute to the program each day. Scholarship opportunities are available for select students. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required for accepted students to reserve a place in this competitive program.
Dates and Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 18, 2024
- Check-In: Saturday, November 7, 2024
- Check-Out: Tuesday, November 10, 2024
How to Apply
Applications for Workforce Exploration are being accepted now! You’re a simple application form away from setting yourself up for a stronger professional future.
When you're ready to get started, click below to create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the Application Portal. Select Workforce Exploration from the list of available programs in the portal.
Application Documents
Below are the documents you’ll need to submit with your application. Please note that your documents must be saved as PDFs in order to upload them.
- Statement of Interest: In 100-250 words, tell us what makes you an ideal fit for this program and share your goals for the experience. If you believe you are eligible for state funding, please tell us why receiving a scholarship to fund your participation would make a difference for you.
- One-page Resumé: Share a current copy of your resume. If you're creating one for the first time, include your educational background and other experiences (internships, volunteer work, on-campus leadership positions, honors, or awards). See our resume guide and sample resumes for more details.
- Transcript: Upload an official copy of your transcript from your current college/university directly into the application. Please ensure your transcript includes (a) your name, (b) your school’s name, (c) your cumulative GPA and (d) shows your current courses, if you are currently enrolled. If your social security number is included on your transcript, please conceal it prior to upload. If you have attended multiple institutions, send transcripts for additional schools to info@twc.edu. We’ll use your transcript to verify your enrollment and scholarship eligibility, if applicable.
A Commitment to Access, Equity and Inclusion
TWC recognizes that diversity brings innovation and creativity to the workplace and encourages fresh perspectives. As such, we are committed to shaping the future of the workforce so that it is representative of the full diversity across the U.S. and allows inclusion and belonging for talent of all backgrounds and lived experience.
Students attending Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU), are encouraged to apply.