Trachtenberg Admitted Student Events
Congratulations on your acceptance to GW's Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration! We hope you can attend some of our admitted student events.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Upcoming Events:
Please note all event times are listed in Eastern Standard Time.
Student Services and Career Advancement Virtual Orientations
To support your transition into the program, all incoming graduate students are required to attend one of our three virtual Student Services and Career Advancement Orientation sessions. These sessions will introduce you to essential academic resources, career development tools, and support services to help you succeed both in and out of the classroom.
- Monday, June 15 from 12 - 1pm, Virtual | RSVP
- Wednesday, July 15 from 5 - 6pm, Virtual | RSVP
- Thursday, August 6 from 7:30 - 8:30pm, Virtual | RSVP
Jumpstart Your Success: Summer Career Advancement Series
Get a head start on your professional journey this summer through our Career Lab Drop-ins, designed to polish your resume and LinkedIn profile in just 30 minutes, or join our Speed Mentoring night to connect virtually with impactful alumni across the globe. For immediate support, we are also hosting Virtual Drop-In Hours to answer your time-sensitive questions and help you navigate your early career strategy. Learn more (including a link to the website)
Speed Mentoring
During the summer, we offer this program in a fast-paced VIRTUAL format to give students an opportunity to meet with alumni from within and outside the DMV! Learn from TSPPPA alumni who have paved diverse and impactful paths in the realms of governance, administration, advocacy, research, and more.
Wednesday, June 10 from 7:30 - 9pm, Virtual
RSVP
Virtual Drop-In Hours for Fall Cohort
(15-20 min meetings; Available on a first-come, first-serve basis) are available weekly to address time sensitive, quick career questions and support. These dates are specifically for our Fall Cohort before they gain access to Handshake for regular advising sessions.
- Thursday, May 21 from 12:30 - 1:30pm, Virtual | Zoom
- Tuesday, May 26 from 8:30 - 9:30pm, Virtual | Zoom
- Thursday, June 4 from 7 - 8pm, Virtual | Zoom
- Monday, June 8 from 3 - 4pm, Virtual | Zoom
30-Minute Career Lab Drop-Ins: Ask, Act, & Finish
Maximize your summer with high-impact, low-stress career prep drop-in sessions designed to check one item off your professional to-do list in 30- minutes - designed to support a head start for new students, momentum for current students, and lifelong advancement for our alumni. Each topic has a day and evening virtual option.
No need to register in advance - just log into Zoom and be ready to take action!
Resume: Write High-Impact Bullets
Come prepared with your resume and specific points you’d like to improve for a session on mastering the art of outcome-focused resume bullets.
- Monday, May 11 from 7 - 7:30pm, Virtual | Zoom
Resume: Match It to the Role
Bring your master resume and a role you’re eyeing to learn how to use AI to analyze the position and align your resume's language with an employer's top internship or job requirements.
LinkedIn: Headline & About Section
Come ready to update your LinkedIn headline and About Section to highlight your professional identity and tell a more compelling story.
LinkedIn: Networking & Market Mapping
Come prepared with 2-3 specific areas of interest to learn how to map out your field, uncover hidden roles, and build a professional community across sectors.
High ROI Search: Target Employer & Networking Lists
Work directly with your target fields to build a strategic employer and networking list that includes high-potential organizations and people you may not have discovered yet.
- Wednesday, July 22 from 12 - 12:30pm, Virtual | Zoom
- Wednesday, July 29 from 8 - 8:30pm, Virtual | Zoom
Outreach: Connect with Purpose
Bring a list of 2-3 professionals and learn how to locate professional emails, write authentic messages to request informational interviews and draft insightful questions for meaningful career conversations.
- Thursday, August 6 from 8:30 - 9pm, Virtual | Zoom
- Tuesday, August 11 from 12:30 - 1pm, Virtual | Zoom
Virtual Coffee Conversation with Alumni
Join us for an informal virtual conversation with accomplished Trachtenberg alumni.
- Their academic and social experiences at Trachtenberg
- How they navigated graduate school and built community
- The career paths they have pursued and how their degrees helped them succeed
Get to Know GW Student Neighborhoods
Curious where your classmates will be living? In this interactive webinar, current students will share insights about their neighborhoods - why they chose them, what they love, and how they commute to campus. You’ll also have time to meet other incoming students who may be looking for roommates or hoping to connect before the fall.
More information is forthcoming!
Drink and Spill the Tea with School Director Kathy Newcomer
Join Director Kathy Newcomer for a lively conversation about the Trachtenberg School’s history, values, and future. These sessions offer a relaxed space to learn more about the School and get to know your incoming cohort.
More information is forthcoming!
Coffee with Trachtenberg
Every other week, drop in for an informal coffee chat with fellow admitted students and members of the Trachtenberg community. Each session features different guests, giving you a chance to meet a variety of students, staff, and faculty throughout the summer.
More information is forthcoming!
Afterwork Mixer
Unwind after your day with a casual rooftop gathering at 2000 Penn. Connect with students, alumni, and faculty over conversation, networking, and refreshments - all with a beautiful view of campus.
More information is forthcoming!
DMV Admitted Graduate Students Mixer
The mixer will be held in a private space at Proper 21, located just steps from campus. In past years, this local admitted student gathering has brought together approximately 30 to 40 students for an informal evening of food, conversation, and connection. The space includes both standing and seated areas, so you are welcome to mingle, grab food from the buffet, and connect with fellow admitted students and CCAS admissions staff.
Thursday, May 14 from 6 - 8pm, Proper 21
RSVP
Admitted Students Orientation
Master’s Programs:
- Thursday, August 20 – Required
- Friday, August 21 – Highly recommended
PhD Program:
- Thursday, August 20
Location Soon To-Be-Announced
Venue details are provided in your official invitation email.
Past Events:
Trachtenberg School Capstone Event
Join our Capstone Event featuring pro bono projects by our graduating students. Enjoy food, drinks, and inspiring presentations that showcase the real-world impact of our students’ work. You will have the opportunity to meet your future classmates, and connect with faculty and staff. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and officially welcome you to the Trachtenberg School!
Admitted Student Coffee on Campus and Q&A with TSPPPA Career Advancement Team
Join us for an informative coffee chat at 8:30am alongside other admitted students. Representatives from Admissions, Student Services, and Career Advancement will be on hand to help with any questions you have. At 9:30am, we’ll pivot to a focused career Q&A session where our staff will answer questions about how we support your professional success from day one.
Admitted Students Day
Join the Trachtenberg Community for Admitted Students Day! The day will begin with registration, coffee, and a light breakfast at 9:30am, followed by an alumni panel and a conversation with our Career Advancement team about professional pathways and career support. You will also have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions with program directors and attend sessions highlighting different areas of policy and public administration that you may wish to pursue. The formal program will conclude at 2:30pm, with tours available afterward for those who would like to explore campus. We look forward to meeting you!
Impactful Careers: How an MPP, MPA, or ESP Degree Opens Doors- Virtual Q&A with Career Director
Attendees met with our Career Advancement Director to ask questions about turning your TSPPPA degree into an impactful career and how our specific support services, including employment outcome data, one-on-one career advising, and our highly engaged alumni network can support you along the way.
If you are interested in visiting a class on-campus, please email tsadmit
gwu [dot] edu (subject: Re%3A%20Admitted%20Student%20Events%20Page) (tsadmit[at]gwu[dot]edu)!