HPU in the City – Washington, D.C.
Ten students who have an interest in working on Capitol Hill took a trip to Washington, D.C. from Oct. 11-13.
On the first morning, the group visited The Heritage Foundation to learn about internships with the think tank and the various roles that participate in helping to craft policy recommendations for lawmakers. Students then spoke with professionals who have worked in both the public and private sectors at the TCH Group, LLC, a lobbying firm based in Washington, D.C.
Zach Charapp, who graduated from HPU in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science, gave the students a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Charapp now serves on the staff for North Carolina Senator Ted Budd. Members of Budd’s team spoke to the group about what they would recommend to anyone looking for a career in politics.
In addition, students had the opportunity to meet with two HPU alumni who are members of North Carolina Congresswoman Kathy Manning’s staff, staff assistant Dalton Lucas, ’22, and press secretary and digital manager Gia Scirrotto, ’21. They shared with students what it takes to run a U.S. representative’s office on a daily basis.
The final stop on the trip was to the Institute of World Politics, which is a graduate school that focuses on national security, intelligence and international affairs. Students met with Christine Balling, the school’s senior vice president of professional affiliations, and Glenn Corn, a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Communities.
“HPU in the City was an amazing networking opportunity for us students. This experience allowed us to broaden our political horizons and create connections with potential future employers,” said Rowan Trietley, a sophomore double majoring in political science and English from Castle Rock, Colorado. “As a cohort, we were able to forge paths for future internships and learn about the political climate of Washington, D.C. This was one of the many opportunities High Point University offers for students to further their academic careers and present themselves as role models of the university.”