Washington DC and the stuff of which it is made—luncheons, amendments, speeches, lobbyists, senators, influential people of every sort—is worlds away for most college students, even those who have hopes of becoming policymakers. But at Truman, college students are given an opportunity to see theory in practice through an internship program offered in conjunction with The Washington Center (TWC).

TWC offers semester-long public and private sector internships, in the Washington DC area. Recent placements include the Student Press Law Center, Fair Vote, the Pentagon, the Department of State, the Treasury Department, and the Children's Defense Fund. A fringe benefit: Truman students receive 15 credit hours toward their degree.

Truman grad Chris Scott spent a semester working with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF), after an English professor stirred him to "think beyond the boundaries of any one specific area of study." Because of his positive experience, Chris sought a job with CDF and was hired after graduation. Looking back, Chris tells us what the internship gave him that the classroom doesn't:

Confidence: My internship with CDF made me confident that I'm capable of achieving my full potential and affecting positive social change. It has everything to do with surrounding myself with good and compassionate people and doing what I can to change what's going on around me.

Confirmation: An internship is the perfect time to close the gap between theory (what you've learned) and action (how you apply it). It also gives you a sense of what you're passionate about and good at (and determine if they align).

Connections: It's a terrific opportunity to make contacts and learn from like-minded people. It may border on clichè, but a determining factor of professional advancement is contingent upon not only who you know but also taking on those qualities you admire and respect.

Counsel: Interns often get access to things that staff do not. Since internships are usually brief, you'll often find the organization you're interning with will bend over backwards to teach you about what it is they do and how they do it.

return >

Opera and drama go hand-in-hand. But aspiring opera star Dominic Armstrong, who received his Masters in Voice at Juilliard and is pursing a second Masters in Opera at The Curtis Institute of Music, doesn't use dramatics to tell the story of how Truman gave his musical career a great start.

With firm footing in reality, Armstrong knows that making it big in music isn't handed to you; you've got to work hard. This is an ethic he learned at Truman, and one he won't abandon as he continues to fulfill his dream. "At Truman," Armstrong explains, "I was always busy. My last semester I was taking chemistry, trig, multiple music courses, and booking my calendar with auditions for conservatories. It's the busiest I've ever been."

That cross-disciplinary, liberal arts education is something Armstrong feels he has working to his advantage. Armstrong states, "I've been a student at two reputable conservatories, and I've noticed most students haven't taken courses outside of their conservatory experience. They don't have a broad background."

A "broad background" has helped Armstrong connect with his music and audience on a deeper level. Through literature courses, Armstrong learned how to unpack a story, a skill he uses when interpreting an opera role. Involvement with Truman's theater department honed his ability to tell a story. And the countless times Armstrong had to present his ideas in courses has given him poise in front of large audiences.

According to Armstrong, who recently returned to Truman to perform Brahms's "Romanze aus Tiecks Magelone," says, "Truman is a good place to start your musical career. It gives you all the basics—and more."

return >

Most parents, advisors, and teachers advise you to base your college decision on a school's national ranking, quality, outcome stats, and financial aid package. But we all know that when it comes down to it, college students want to have fun—and want to be at a college where it's not all about Dostoyevsky, chem. labs, and study groups. At Truman, there's a blend of both academics and action. According to student Chris Reiter, "[Truman students] like to party on Saturday nights like any college student. However, on Sunday morning we're ready to study."

Here are a few Truman attractions that contribute to Truman's vibrant social life:

Big Name Concerts: Sophomore Andrew Seal states, "Truman brings in so much for students to do." Truman is committed to securing big name performers, including Dashboard Confessional, Ben Folds, Cake, Guster, Jimmy Eat World, and Lifehouse.

Greek Life: Truman has a thriving Greek community, with 18 fraternities and 10 sororities. Inter-Greek socials and activities ensure your weekend calendar is booked.

Cool Hangouts: While there are many hangouts, a student favorite is Washington Street Java Company. According to Senior Amy Deis, "You get a mix of locals and students, and it's a nicer environment than going to the library all the time. Plus, you can have food and drink coffee while you're there."

X-treme Outdoors: Thousand Hills State Park is a favorite spot for the outdoorsy type: hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and ice skating during the winter.

return >

In the highly competitive marketplace, recent graduates quickly learn it's not just your knowledge but your skills that make you stand out from the rest: the ability to follow through with a project, communicate clearly, assert yourself with authority, answer questions directly, make connections across disciplines, and think creatively.

Truman is lauded for getting graduates to that level of professionalism. In the 2007 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges," Truman was recognized for its research programs leading to student success. One unique program that has led to this national respect is Truman's annual Student Research Conference.

Each spring, classes are closed for the day as the campus morphs into an academic conference—and the students, not professors, are at the podium. From all disciplines and academic levels, students present their scholarly work to peers and professors.

According to Dr. Sara Orel, Associate Professor of Art History, who is spearheading the conference, "Students often have done research they think people would be interested in, but most universities don't provide an opportunity for students to share their findings. At the Student Research Conference, students are given the chance to become the authority—and attract a campus-wide audience."

Here are 8 reasons why Truman's Conference will benefit students who want to gain experience and jump-start their careers.

1. It is a good way to build your resume or graduate school application.
2. It allows you to show off your creative ability, and to discuss your ideas with other scholars.
3. It builds skill sets for the professional world: communication, research methodology, presentation, and creativity.
4. It helps you focus your interests.
5. It models what a scholar does.
6. It gives students a chance to demonstrate their expertise.
7. It fosters learning among peers.
8. It allows you to work closely with a faculty member.

For more information about the student conference, go to http://src.truman.edu/faq.asp.

return >