Being back at Penn State means that the summer is over. Though it may still be 90 degrees outside, I no longer have to spend the day in a suit. I still spend my day learning, but the subject matter is a little different. CATA is certainly a little different than WMATA.
I left D.C. a few weeks ago and have just recently been able to look back on my experience with some takeaways:
1. The Networking– In Washington, I had the chance to meet so many brilliant people. I’m not just talking about the experts at CSIS or the external events I attended. My fellow interns, who I became good friends with, will be invaluable resources in my future.
Washington is a great experience for anyone who wants to see just how little they actually know, and how much more intelligent everyone else is than you are. Even after-dinner conversations can teach you so much. My fondest memories of my time in the city were spent sitting around a table talking about the day’s news.
2. The City– Washington is a big city that feels like a small city. It is fairly easy to get around with public transportation, and it is very walkable. Additionally, it has many unique neighborhoods that each elicit pride from residents. When you factor in the free museums, amazing ethnic food, shopping, and concerts, I may just end up back there after college. All it really needs is a quality bagel place that’s open on the weekends.
3. The Work– Working at CSIS was a great experience for me because, having been previously interested in think tanks, I needed a clearer idea of what exactly they did. Being in the inside, so to speak, gave me first hand knowledge about all of the different work they do, from events to education, and publishing to presenting. They don’t just sit in a room and think about things. My supervisors at CSIS were very supportive and full of suggestions about what to do in the city and who to talk to. I feel that, if I ever have a question or need a letter of recommendation, I can turn to them.
Those are the three main things I took away from this summer. Additionally, D.C. is very hot. There is a Starbucks on every corner. Motorcades are normal. Diplomatic license plates on Volkswagen Beetles look weird. You can generally get away with crossing the street even when it tells you not to. Taxi drivers are nice. Walk around the monuments at night.
I will be in D.C. again in the near-future, which is awesome. As the LA for IST 445H, I get to go back to D.C. and CSIS for a few days in mid-October. Additionally, there are a few concerts down there that I will be attending.
If you have any questions about what Washington or CSIS was like, send me an email or @reply me on twitter @eliglazier.