PAST PLENtalks
AUgust 2022 plentalk: End-emic and Global health
COVID-19 has changed our world and its lasting legacy will continue to shape global health and policy. In our August 2022 PLENTalk, we explored rapid advancements in technology and the public health field during the pandemic, effective methods to prevent future pandemics, and compared global public health responses. We heard from Dr. Emily Landon, the Chief Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at University of Chicago Medicine, who specializes in infectious diseases and leads the academic health system’s infection control and prevention efforts. Dr. Landon became a familiar face to Illinois households since March 2020 working as an advisor to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and a primary architect of Illinois' response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this PLENTalk here!
Pride PLENTALK: LAUNCHING Your CAREER as an LGBTQIA+ Professional
LGBTQIA+ people face unique challenges navigating the workforce, and are especially underrepresented in public policy leadership positions. According to the UCLA Williams Institute, 46% of LGBTQIA+ workers have experienced unfair treatment at work at some point in their lives. At our Pride PLENTalk, students had the opportunity to learn from queer public policy professionals how to navigate the workplace as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, the practical skills you should bring to your first job after graduation, and career and internship opportunities. Watch this PLENTalk here!
June 2022 PLENTalk: A Conversation with Valerie Biden Owens
We celebrated PLEN's Charter Anniversary with Valerie Biden Owens, author of Growing Up Biden, who is one of the first women in the United States to have managed a modern U.S. Senatorial campaign, as well as a Presidential campaign, for her brother President Joe Biden. She has led every campaign in her brother's political career and was his principal surrogate on the campaign trail. She discussed her memoir, Growing Up Biden, and shared details about her decades-long professional career in politics, as well as the central role she played in her brother’s life as an insightful adviser, an ever-loyal advocate and best friend. Watch this PLENTalk here!
APRIL 2022: ALL ABOUT MEDIA: A DISCUSSION WITH TRACIE POTTS
In today’s world, the constant news stream can be overwhelming. How can we stay informed and be responsible constituents? Tracie Potts, Executive Director of The Eisenhower Institute and former NBC Washington Correspondent, shared her road to a career in media, her experience in the field, and answered questions regarding responsible media consumption and active constituency. Watch this PLENTalk here.
December 2021: Resume Review session
An employer on average only spends 15 - 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so it is essential that your resume is concise, targeted, and error free. At our PLENTalk, students had the opportunity to work one-on-one with PLEN mentors to learn how to perfect their resume.
October 2021: How to get the most out of your plen seminar
Shelby Olsen discussed with our Law and Legal Advocacy seminar students how to get the most out of their virtual seminar!
August 2021: Strategically Applying for Graduate School
Have you ever thought about graduate school? Are you in the process of applying right now? We know that from competitive applications to securing funding, graduate school is daunting! At this virtual event, Jordyn Arndt, a Foreign Affairs Office at the State Department, moderated a discussion with SAIS staff and graduate school alumni working in public policy.
June 2021: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Summit Info Session
PLEN Staff hosted a special virtual PLENTalk Informational Session to discuss the upcoming PLEN X WGR DEI Summit. PLEN covered scholarship applications, discussed registration logistics, and shared exclusive programming details! Watch this PLENtalk here.
SEPTEMBER 2020: PRESIDENTIAL CHARACTER: A BOOK DISCUSSION AND Q&A WITH DR. LARA BROWN
Dr. Lara Brown, Director and Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Political Management at the George Washington University and author of "Amateur Hour: Presidential Character and the Question of Leadership," discussed her new book and the impact of popularity, productivity, and ethics of contemporary presidents. Watch this PLENtalk here.
September 2020: The Coming Year: PLEN 2020-2021 Info Session
Our students learned about all of the exciting opportunities for the coming year! In this webinar, PLEN staff introduced its newest seminar, Women of Color Influencing Washington, reviewed their new registration procedures, discussed the benefits of the virtual seminars, and answered questions. Watch this PLENtalk here.
AUGUST 2020: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VIRTUAL INTERNSHIP
So you've finished your first virtual internship-- what next? This webinar discussed the important steps that follow the conclusion of your internship and how you can leverage the experience in the future. Watch this PLENtalk here.
MAY 2020: FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL TO CAPITOL HILL: GETTING YOUR START IN A TIME OF SOCIAL DISTANCING
Looking to build experience working for a campaign or on Capitol Hill? Our participants heard advice and knowledge from two incredible professionals on how to get started during these uncertain times! Joined by Brittany Martinez and Crystal Ebert, President and Vice President of the George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Alumni Association!
APRIL 2020: STANDING OUT IN YOUR VIRTUAL PROFESSIONALISM
Preparing for a phone or virtual interview? Trying to up your LinkedIn or e-mail game? This webinar will explored virtual best practices and how to maximize professionalism. Joined by: Michelle Kannan of Giffords, Jona Van Deun of the Nebraska Tech Collaborative, as well as Jamie Jensen and Kimmi Cantrell of Careers in Nonprofits (CNP). Watch this PLENtalk here.
FEBRUARY 2020: HOW WASHINGTON WORKS
Lisa Maatz, former PLEN Board Member and frequent speaker, shared her knowledge and experience about working in Washington by remembering the 5 Ps: ~ Politics ~ Policy ~ Procedure ~ Personality ~ Press. Watch this PLENtalk here.