Continuing Education (August 2009)

Every profession has its stereotype, and the one that plagues academia is of a somewhat unkempt brainiac locked away in the ivory tower, lacking any practical knowledge of the real world. But D.C.-area schools can boast a number of instructors who have experience in politics or government agencies and are happy to impart what they’ve learned to their students.

Like the many young people on Capitol Hill today, Brianne Adderly learns with a purpose — she is the scheduler/executive assistant for Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) and has just enrolled to get her master’s in public administration at George Washington University.

These days Kevin Allen Micheal’s life reads along the lines of the book and latest screenplay, “Julie and Julia.”

As the economy continues to struggle out of a recession, the opportunity to live overseas, become a de facto international ambassador and take part in advancing national security becomes increasingly attractive for recent grads.

If you’re looking to further your education, look no further than these events. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Peace Corps volunteer, getting a master’s degree, or simply learning a new skill, D.C. has a lot to offer.

Imagine stepping into a classroom knowing that half of the students staring up at you would never graduate from high school. Each fall, Teach For America (TFA) corps members face challenges like this in low-income communities all over the nation.

Some people are in the same careers for their entire lives, working their way up the ladder with ease. Others decide midway through one career that they are destined for another, leaving them with the question, “What do I have to do to continue my education in order to achieve my new career goal?”