Liberty students network with think tanks, meet African leaders on trip to nation’s capital

During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., a group of 40 Liberty University students, mostly from the Helms School of Government, had the chance of a lifetime to glean from our nation’s top think tank experts who advise policy decisions for Congress and across the state and federal government. The Helms School sponsors trips to Washington each semester, where students can interact with top national and foreign leaders and network with major policy and research experts.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, students visited the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank; the Hudson Institute, a think tank focused on foreign policy and national security; and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), an Indian think tank. They also visited the African Union Embassy, which represents all 55 countries on the continent, where they heard from Deputy Chief of Mission Tarek Ben Youssef and Zambian Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Mr. Chibamba Kanyama.

“I love that Liberty gives us the opportunity to build relationships even while we are in college,” said sophomore pre-law student Sipporah Eda. “I was so enriched by all the people I got to meet. And it was very encouraging to see, especially at the Heritage Foundation, because a lot of them talked about God and the right principles. … This trip allowed me to see the world as my oyster. And if I put my mind to something, I can genuinely do anything.”

Students met with internship directors, recruiters, and senior fellows at the three organizations, where they learned about day-to-day operations, how to research and advise legislatures on strategies, and how college students can best prepare for immediate employment at a think tank.

“It all was amazing, and each organization is doing something different,” said junior international relations student Cedrick Saint Elien. “I saw an opportunity for me to work at each of them, and this is the spectrum of what we are studying as government majors. Even if we are in intelligence, strategic intelligence, or national security, there are possibilities for us to do anything. This trip was an amazing experience.”

Policymakers heavily rely on think tanks to make informed national security and international relations decisions. The Helms School of Government encourages students to pursue a range of jobs in government at the local, state, and federal levels but also equips them for think tank operations, which can be equally as influential.

“A lot of areas our students can get jobs in are think tanks, organizations that influence the development of public policy,” said Associate Professor of Government Dr. Mary Prentice, who specializes in international relations and led the trip. “My goal with this trip was I wanted students to envision themselves doing this someday. The only way they can truly envision themselves doing it is to meet people who are actually making a real difference in the world.”

The Helms School of Government recently launched the Master of Arts in Public Policy – Think Tank and Policy Research, a program aimed at training Christ-centered students who can influence major policy decisions from outside the federal government. Graduates can pursue jobs as a legislative aide, public policy analyst, research associate, and more.

“The think tanks have time to look at all issues of importance in the public policy realm, and they can fill an important role in coming up with the best solution,” Prentice said. “They work closely with the Department of Defense, the State Department, and Congress to inform them of wisdom on making the best policies. So ultimately, it’s a great place for our students to get jobs.”

She said the trips are just one way the school prioritizes fostering early connections and opportunities for students. The next trip, organized by Assistant Professor of Government Scott Roenicke, is slated for April, and it will take students to tour the Chinese and Japanese embassies and speak with top leaders.

“The world is so much about who you know. I’m only in my second year of college, and I’ve already met senators and even the speaker of the house,” Eda said. “Liberty’s programs are specifically built in a way to connect us to D.C. directly. If you’re a Christian going into politics, international relations, or government, Liberty is the place to be.”