On July 17, 2026, over 150 U.S. citizen exchange alumni gathered for Career Connections DC: Showcasing American Excellence, a professional development seminar highlighting how the U.S. exchange alumni network advances U.S. foreign policy priorities through leadership, innovation, and community impact worldwide.

Commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Sherry Keneson-Hall encouraged alumni to leverage the skills, perspectives, and connections gained from their exchange experiences to advance their careers, build global connections, and showcase American excellence globally. As part of the fifth annual seminar of its kind, 60 alumni participated in a curated visit to the National Archives Museum, reflecting on the founding documents and enduring principles that continue inspiring innovation, leadership, and civic engagement in the United States.

Turning exchange experience into career advancement

The largest U.S. exchange alumni gathering to date, this Career Connections seminar helped alumni translate their international experiences into professional growth through expert-led discussions, career exploration sessions, mentoring, and skills-building workshops. Participants engaged with professionals from various career sectors, including artificial intelligence, government and defense, international trade, and cultural heritage preservation. As one alumnus noted, "I felt like I was able to truly dig deep into using exchange-relevant skills in my job field.”

Building lasting networks

Alumni expanded their professional networks, refined their résumés, enhanced their personal branding, and developed strategies to communicate the impact of their exchange experiences. Peer-to-peer connections and mentorship opportunities also emerged as some of the seminar's most valued outcomes. One alumnus highlighted “the opportunity to connect with fellow globally-minded professionals,” while another noted that “the investment in mentor-mentee dynamics and building upon existing networks was invaluable.” Reflecting on the lasting impact of these connections, more than 70% of participants reported in a follow-on survey that they were very likely to leverage a connection made at Career Connections DC to support their professional advancement.

Applying skills and strengthening communities

By the end of the seminar, alumni gained actionable career development tools, cultivated stronger professional networks, and strengthened the U.S. Exchange Alumni Network, leaving with renewed momentum to apply these skills to their careers and communities across the United States.

Career Connections seminars are a component of the U.S. Exchange Alumni and Capacity Building Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. government and supported in its implementation by IREX.