49 students arrived in Washington, D.C. on August 28 to begin the 2010 Capital Semester Fall program.

For over a month, students have been immersed in the TFAS experience, attending briefings and lectures, taking courses for academic credit and gaining first-hand professional experience at their internships.

In the mix of everything are alumni – serving as roundtable discussion leaders, speakers and mentors to the students.

In 2009, IPVS hosted the inaugural alumni roundtable discussion in honor of its 10th anniversary. Alumni in the Washington, D.C. area were invited to speak to IPVS students about their careers and gave tips on how the students could get their own careers started in D.C. once they graduate.

Inspired by last year’s success, ICPES, IBGA and IPJ held their own roundtables to enable alumni and students to interact in the summer of 2010. The new tradition continues as Capital Semester Fall holds its first roundtable on October 6, during which eight alumni will serve as discussion leaders.

Other alumni have served as guest speakers this year. CLICK HERE to read Amanda Pope’s (CSF 08) orientation speech.

Aside from speaking at special events and roundtables, 14 alumni in the D.C. area are serving as mentors to Capital Semester students this fall.

The mentor program, now in its seventh year, allows students to make contacts with local professionals who can offer guidance on how to survive their time in D.C. Mentors and students met each other at the “Meet Your Mentor” breakfast which took place at TFAS Headquarters.

To read an article on the students’ recent trip to the Department of State, CLICK HERE. Stay tuned for more updates on Capital Semester Fall and photos from the alumni roundtable in future editions!