Washington, DC—On November 17, 2017, WFPG co-sponsored a Non-Profit and Government Career Forum with George Washington University, New York University, and the University of Pennsylvania. The event gave students an opportunity to meet with 54 NGO's, non-profits, and government agencies. The forum also included a panel discussion with Refugees International Senior Advocate Izza Leghtas, Deborah Saidy of the World Food Program-USA, and Consultant and WFPG Board Member Anita Botti. WFPG Executive Director Kim Kahnhauser Freeman moderated the discussion.

During the conversation, Saidy discussed the challenges of balancing a two-career household and raising a family overseas, noting that recent conflicts have resulted in a shift from development work to humanitarian relief and an increase in unaccompanied hardship posts. Leghtas underlined the need for flexibility in your career, attention to detail, and the importance of not losing yourself in your work and of maintaining friendships and pursuing outside activities. Botti encouraged students to stretch themselves and seek out positions that challenge them. She emphasized that you will never know everything, but that you should surround yourself with a strong team. All the of the panelists discussed the importance of internships, networking, transferable skills, and finding role models and mentors.