Thinking back on your TFAS experience, you may remember your TFAS program advisors (PAs) showing you the basics of how to get around a completely new city. Maybe you had a mentor that showed you an awesome local event or restaurant. Maybe you met a great connection in your field at a TFAS alumni networking event.
Alumni play a huge role in enhancing TFAS experiences for current students in a number of ways. Alumni contribute their time, talents and energy to add that extra welcoming feel for new students to give them a true TFAS experience. TFAS is grateful for any way alumni choose to contribute.
We’ve brainstormed some of the ways you can help make a difference this summer for incoming TFAS students. Check out these ideas and sign up today!
Ways to Get Involved in the DCinternships Summer Programs
Be a Mentor
Did you wonder what to pack before you moved to a totally new city? Where you could take your dry cleaning or get a haircut? TFAS Mentors provide that extra link to the D.C. community for TFAS students. This past year, over 200 professionals served as mentors to students through our programs. Mentors are matched with a college student based on interests. For more information, contact Lucero Pina (IPVS 14) at mentor@TFAS.org or visit TFAS.org/mentor.
Host an Intern
As you know, every year hundreds of students need places to gain that real world work experience. You can host an intern in your office, whether it is private sector, public sector or nonprofit. TFAS asks all DC-area alumni who work in a metro accessible location to consider hosting an intern. If you are interested in hosting an intern, contact U.S. Programs Director Joe Starrs at jstarrs@TFAS.org.
Participate in an Alumni Roundtable Discussion
All students need to know one thing for their future, how to get a job. You can give them advice about your own job search and insight from the professional world in D.C. You also get to reminisce about fun TFAS memories and meet other alumni. To sign up, contact U.S. Programs Director Joe Starrs at jstarrs@TFAS.org.
Speak to TFAS Students About Your Area of Expertise
Look how far you’ve come! You’re a working professional with plenty of insight about the work you’ve been doing. Students have a variety of interests but they can benefit from knowing more about your field too. To sign up, contact U.S. Programs Director Joe Starrs at jstarrs@TFAS.org.
Be a Small Group Host
Tell TFAS students about what you do at your job. Students can come to your office and see what your work environment is like. They will have a lot of questions about what you do (remember that?), and you can inform them and help them grow into polished professionals. To sign up, contact U.S. Programs Director Joe Starrs at jstarrs@TFAS.org.
Ways to Get Involved in the International Summer Programs
Volunteer for a TFAS International Alumni Panel
TFAS International Programs always host panels of alumni who can speak about their careers and give insight to current students. It’s especially helpful for international alumni to talk about how they leveraged their TFAS experience in certain regions or across cultures to become successful. In addition, you can suggest speakers and topics for TFAS panels. Contact alumni@TFAS.org for more information.
Meet with Students Going to TFAS Programs from Your Home Country
Remember how TFAS seemed so far away and you wondered what it would really be like? You can meet with students in your area who are going to TFAS programs and help them prepare. To find out more about other perspective TFAS students from your home country, contact alumni@TFAS.org.
Attend TFAS Events This Summer
Another great way to get involved is to attend TFAS events throughout the summer to meet students and alumni. Mark your calendars or register today for these upcoming summer events! More events and details, coming soon!
- TFAS Alumni Weekend 2015
June 26 & 27
Washington, D.C. - Nationals Baseball Game with TFAS Students and Alumni
Friday, July 17 at 7:05pm - U.S. Summer Programs Graduation Ceremony
Thursday, July 30 at 10am
- AIPES Graduation Ceremony in Prague, Czech Republic
Monday, Aug. 3 - AIPE Graduation Ceremony in Hong Kong
Friday, July 24