in early 2024 it’s always refreshing to see the realms of academia and policy intersect. Such was the case when Sasha Baker, acting undersecretary of defense for policy, sat down with Dartmouth College students for a Q&A session that might just redefine career day expectations.
The Next Generation of Policy Professionals
A Lesson in Opportunities
The Pentagon, with its labyrinthine corridors and national security secrets, might seem an unlikely classroom. Yet, for 16 Dartmouth students from the War & Peace Fellows Program, it became exactly that.
Baker, a Dartmouth alumna herself, transformed the Pentagon’s stoic setting into an open forum for discussion, driven by a clear goal: to sow the seeds for the next crop of defense policy experts.
The Heart of the Matter
Questions, Answers, and Career Aspirations
The topics on the table spanned the gamut from foreign policy puzzles to the nuts and bolts of carving out a career in Washington. Baker’s personal anecdotes, peppered with both wisdom and wit, illuminated paths that many students hadn’t even considered.
It’s one thing to navigate the theoretical waters of international relations in a classroom; it’s quite another to hear about the realities of policy-making from someone in the trenches.
Mentorship Matters
Beyond Seeking the Highest Rung
In a world where the race to the top often overshadows the journey itself, Baker’s take on mentorship was a breath of fresh air. She championed the value of finding mentors who are more invested in relationship-building than in brandishing their titles.
This perspective isn’t just a nugget of career advice; it’s a testament to the importance of genuine connections in professional growth.
A Different Classroom Experience
Real-World Policy in Real Time
Benjamin Valentino, chair of Dartmouth’s government department, hit the nail on the head when he noted the irreplaceable value of these direct engagements with high-level officials. This isn’t your standard lecture hall fare; it’s an up-close look at the gears of government policy, served straight from the source.
Impressions from the Future Leaders
Inspiration and Aspirations
For the students, the event was nothing short of inspirational. The chance to glean insights from a figure like Baker, who has navigated her way to a significant policy role, provided a tangible connection to the often abstract world of defense policy.
For international students, the session offered a unique lens through which to view American perspectives on global affairs, enriching their academic experience and potentially shaping their future endeavors.
In Summation
In the final analysis, Sasha Baker’s Q&A with Dartmouth’s War & Peace Fellows wasn’t just a meeting of minds; it was a bridge between the academic pursuit of knowledge and the practical application of policy.
And, if the enthusiasm of these students is any indicator, the future of U.S. defense policy is in curious, capable hands.
As for those considering a foray into the world of policy or mentorship, remember: the most profound impacts often come from those who are willing to invest their time, not just their titles.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
