'Beyond BYU' is an annual career and networking event in Washington, D.C., for BYU students from Provo, Hawaii, Idaho, that began this year on Thursday, May 11th and ended on Friday, May 12th.
Approximately 112 students participated in this year’s two-day event, the highlight of which was a keynote address by Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon, current director of the National Association of Broadcasters.
Speaking at the NAB headquarters, Senator Smith encouraged students to study deeply the issues that will affect their lives in the long term, to be truly an expert in at least one professional discipline, and to “earn” their opinions on important issues through serious research and study. Senator Smith discussed the importance of the rule of law as nations around the world work towards stability and democracy. After Senator Smith spoke, students and alumni professionals spoke over hors d’oeuvres and refreshments and career mentoring went on until nearly 9 PM.
On the morning of May 11th, students met at the U.S. Capitol and toured the Halls of Congress. The following morning, students met at the Barlow Center and prepared to go to professional offices all over Washington, D.C. These offices included: the SEC, the World Bank, Deep Roots Analytics, the FBI, the U.S. Congress’ Ways and Means Committee, various lobbying firms, communications firms, and law firms in the D.C. area.
The two-day event concluded with a graduate school information event at the BYU Barlow Center wherein representatives from Georgetown, George Washington, American and George Mason Universities came and spoke informally with students about programs ranging from an MPP in Public Health, to MBA programs, JDs and PhDs. Students have described the event two-day event as “amazing,” and as an event that helped them “see all the possibilities that are available” in the DC area for post-graduate work and study.
