by AnnaGrace Hale (’24)
Not many Baylor students graduate in front of the Washington Monument and stay in Washington, D.C. to work at the White House, but that is exactly what Caitlin Babcock (’23) got to do. Because Babcock decided to complete her last semester of college in D.C. with the Baylor in Washington program, she did not return to Waco to walk across the stage and decided to have a graduation ceremony on the National Mall. Following graduation, she settled into postgrad life in the nation’s capital with an internship at the White House. Babcock works in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and focuses on Tribal Affairs and Communications. Here she does outreach to state and local governments, facilitating meetings with elected officials such as mayors and governors and organizes major White House events.
The Fort Collins native has immensely enjoyed her internship, which she began in September. She has been impressed with how friendly and welcoming the staff are and has enjoyed the events of the White House. Although her day-to-day work is unpredictable, she has been heavily involved in the planning of long-term projects, such as the White House Tribal Youth Forum and the Tribal Nations Summit. Babcock mentioned how much she has enjoyed meeting leaders, and how each leader has such a unique and interesting story.
Looking back on her time at Baylor, Babcock participated in organizations and experiences that allowed her to enhance her international studies degree and serve the Waco community. After transferring to Baylor her sophomore year, she was secretary of the Women’s Coalition Project, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and providing aid to women in the local community. Her time there allowed her to participate in service events and maintain a work-life balance. Additionally, she participated in the Model Organization of American States (MOAS), where she honed her writing and research skills.
During her last semester, Babcock participated in the Baylor in Washington program, which she said was the most impactful experience of her college career. The program allowed her to move to D.C. with a network of support and aided her in securing her internship in the office of Congressman Jason Crow. Babcock said the connections and skills she learned during those few months were priceless and allowed her to transition to postgrad life with practical, hirable skills.
Although the transition from college to the real-working world has been daunting, Babcock likes the challenge. Right now, she is passionate about her work and enjoys what she is doing. She looks forward to what comes next in her professional journey, whether that be working with an immigration organization or with local government.
Some advice she mentioned for Baylor international studies majors includes the importance of making connections. Write down who you have talked to and how you connected. Additionally, during internships, make a list of the skills you built and subjects that excite you. Perhaps there will be a common thread that can link you to your future career. Finally, be patient with yourself. The transition after graduating college is difficult. Enjoy the journey.
