Learning from the Professionals!

On January 11, 2017, American University students participating in the school’s annual Class to Career Conference spent their morning at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). During this time, they heard from five speakers: four members of the Smithsonian’s Academic Appointment Diversity and Publicity Taskforce (AADAPT) and one speaker from the National Gallery of Art.

Smithsonian speakers Karen Carter, Omar Eaton-Martinez, Geri Provost-Lyons, and Sean Butler, along with Martha Schloetzer from the National Gallery of Art spoke with participants about the importance of oral communication, written communication, information technology, ethical leadership and decision making, analytical reasoning, and teamwork

AU students were able to ask questions and learn about how the Smithsonian hires, the differences between trust and federal employees, and how inter-departmental communication works. Additionally, students learned about the importance of communication when applying to internships, fellowships, and jobs within and beyond the Smithsonian.