Careers in National Security, Technology Policy, and Global Affairs
Location: Washington, DC
Participants: Fletcher students + alumni hosts
Day 1 — Orientation & The National Security Ecosystem
Morning
8:30–9:30 AM — Welcome Breakfast & Orientation
📍 Fletcher DC Center (or downtown coworking space)
Program overview
Career paths in DC
Networking tips from Fletcher alumni
10:00–11:30 AM — Department of Defense Briefing
📍 United States Department of Defense – Pentagon
Discussion with Fletcher alumni working on:
defense technology policy
AI and autonomy in warfare
space and commercial integration
Topics covered:
Working in the national security bureaucracy
Fellowships and entry pathways
Policy vs operational roles
Afternoon
12:00–1:30 PM — Alumni Lunch Panel
📍 Arlington
Panel featuring Fletcher graduates working at:
National Security Council
Department of State
Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Discussion:
“From Graduate School to National Security Policy Roles”
2:00–3:30 PM — Think Tank Visit
📍 Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Roundtable discussion:
geopolitical competition with China
technology supply chains
emerging security partnerships
Evening
6:00–8:00 PM — Fletcher Alumni Networking Reception
📍 Downtown DC rooftop
Participants meet Fletcher alumni working at:
federal agencies
defense companies
think tanks
consulting firms
Day 2 — Diplomacy & International Development
Morning
9:00–10:30 AM — State Department Career Discussion
📍 United States Department of State
Topics:
Foreign Service career tracks
political and economic reporting
technology diplomacy
11:00–12:00 PM — Congressional Briefing
📍 United States Senate
Meeting with staffers covering:
defense appropriations
sanctions policy
emerging technology legislation
Afternoon
12:30–2:00 PM — Policy Lunch
📍 Atlantic Council
Discussion with fellows on:
NATO security
transatlantic defense innovation
2:30–4:00 PM — Development & Multilateral Careers
📍 World Bank
Topics:
global development finance
climate and infrastructure investment
career paths in international institutions
Evening
6:30–8:30 PM — Small Group Alumni Dinners
Students split into small groups hosted by alumni working in:
diplomacy
intelligence
international development
tech policy
Day 3 — Technology, AI, and Defense Innovation
Morning
9:00–10:30 AM — Defense Innovation & Startups
📍 Defense Innovation Unit
Discussion topics:
defense tech startups
dual-use technology
public-private partnerships
11:00–12:00 PM — Venture Capital & National Security Tech
📍 In-Q-Tel
Briefing on:
how the intelligence community invests in technology
startups working in AI, space, and cybersecurity
Afternoon
12:30–2:00 PM — Tech Policy Lunch
📍 Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET)
Topics:
AI governance
semiconductor competition
export controls
2:30–4:00 PM — Industry Career Session
📍 Palantir Technologies (DC office)
Discussion:
working at the intersection of tech and government
data analytics in defense and intelligence
transitioning from policy to industry
Evening
Optional Informal Networking Happy Hour
Hosted by Fletcher alumni working across:
tech policy
venture capital
defense startups
Day 4 — Intelligence Community & Career Strategy
Morning
9:00–10:30 AM — Intelligence Community Careers
📍 Central Intelligence Agency (public affairs / alumni panel)
Topics:
analyst roles
regional expertise
recruiting timelines
11:00–12:30 PM — Career Strategy Workshop
📍 Fletcher alumni office space
Session covers:
navigating federal hiring
fellowships and term appointments
transitioning between government, think tanks, and industry
Afternoon
1:00–2:30 PM — Closing Lunch & Debrief
Students share:
key insights
contacts made
next steps for job searches
3:00 PM — Trek Concludes active session for makers and thinkers to collaborate, connect, and spark new ideas.