The DC Internship Advantage

In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret and Fraser talk with executive coach and author Karen Thrall about managing anger, navigating conflict, and redefining respect in the workplace. Karen breaks down why most workplace tension stems from mismatched expectations rather than bad intent, and offers practical frameworks for responding in the moment—from her “Now vs. Later” approach to staying calm while still speaking up. The conversation also explores how communication norms, tone, and energy shape how we’re perceived, especially in high-pressure environments like DC, and why learning to regulate reactions is critical for both individual contributors and leaders.    About Our Guest Karen Thrall is the author of Don’t Lose Your Sht at Work*—you can learn more at karenthrall.com, find her book on Amazon, and catch her in Washington, DC on May 12 for an in-person workshop.

Breaking into the workforce has never felt more confusing—or more competitive. In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with career strategist Liz Helton of Career Transformation Partners to unpack what’s really happening in the Gen Z job market. From AI reshaping entry-level roles to the reality behind “ghost jobs,” they break down what’s changed—and what still works. If you’re navigating your first job search (or hiring early-career talent), this conversation cuts through the noise with practical, honest advice. Practical Advice From Liz: Treat college projects as real, relevant experience Use AI as a thought partner—not a copy/paste machine Focus your resume on impact, outcomes, and results Build your LinkedIn network early (no “thought leadership” required) Always reapply to reposted jobs—with an improved resume About Our Guest Liz is a career strategist at Career Transformation Partners, where she helps professionals clarify their story, strengthen their positioning, and navigate job searches with strategy and confidence. With a background in public relations, she brings a storytelling-driven approach to career growth, working 1:1 with clients and partnering with organizations to deliver practical, results-oriented career development programming.

In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with Tess Brigham, host of Gen Mess with Tess, to unpack how generational experiences, from Boomers to Gen Z, are shaping today’s workplace. Drawing on over 20 years as a licensed psychotherapist and coach, Tess offers a rare, ground-level view of how technology, COVID, burnout, and shifting cultural norms are influencing how people work, lead, and define success. This conversation moves beyond stereotypes to explore curiosity, empathy, and sustainability at work — and why the future of leadership may look very different than the past. Key Topics & Takeaways Generational stereotypes vs. reality Why age should be treated as context, not a conclusion. Gen Z, AI, and the future of hiring Why younger workers are not immune to anxiety about AI, automation, and resume filtering — and how curiosity (not fear) is the most adaptive response. Managing across age gaps What seasoned professionals should remember when reporting to younger managers — and why ego is often the biggest obstacle to career longevity. Networking without the cringe Reframing networking as generosity, curiosity, and relationship-building — not self-promotion or transactional hustle. Why Gen X feels invisible (and exhausted) How being a “small sandwich generation” shaped Gen X leadership styles, burnout, and difficulty delegating — and what they can learn from Gen Z. Millennials as managers Why millennials often equate responsiveness with value, struggle to unplug, and carry invisible pressure to optimize everything — including their own lives. Workplace empathy ≠ therapy How managers can validate employees’ experiences without becoming their therapist — and why simple acknowledgment goes further than people think. About the Guest Tess Brigham is a licensed psychotherapist, certified coach, author, and TEDx speaker based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She hosts the Gen Mess with Tess podcast, where she explores generational psychology, work, identity, and mental health in a rapidly changing world.  

Note: While this episode was recorded in October 2025, release was delayed out of respect for furloughed federal workers affected by the 2025 shutdown. This week on Career Pulse DC, Margaret sits down with federal hiring expert Diane Hudson (Polished Resumes) and Traverse Jobs CEO Fraser Traverse for a deep dive into one of the biggest changes to federal hiring in decades: OPM’s new requirement that federal résumés be capped at two pages. For job seekers inside and outside government, this shift affects everything—from how you write your résumé, to how agencies review applicants, to how quickly hiring decisions are made. Diane breaks down what applicants must do to stay competitive and how to translate accomplishments, structure a résumé, and navigate a faster, AI-assisted hiring process. In This Episode Why OPM eliminated lengthy 5–8 page résumés How federal hiring is becoming more “business-like” The new 80-day hiring timeline What to include (and cut) when you only have two pages How to write accomplishment-driven, impact-focused bullets How agencies may use AI, skills tests, structured interviews, and asynchronous video interviews Advice for: • Veterans & military spouses • Caregivers returning to the workforce • Entry-level job seekers • Applicants coming from nonprofit or private sector Whether to include side hustles or freelance work Why having some job—any job—can matter for early career applicants About Our Guest: Diane Hudson is the owner of Career Marketing Techniques, a professional training, career coaching, and resume writing firm. She is co-author of the “New SES Application” and Director of the Certified Professional Career Coach program with 3,000+ students. Diane is an expert in crafting federal resumes and navigating the federal application process; she has trained thousands of career seekers and coaches at federal agencies and military bases globally. You can reach her at [email protected] or linkedin.com/in/dianehudson.

In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret Knudsen and Fraser Traverse sit down with career coach, public servant, and Win at Work podcast host Eric Woodard to talk about navigating the 2025 job market. Eric shares his unconventional path from scuba instructor in Guam to working in the White House, U.S. Senate, State Department, and Smithsonian—and how those experiences inform his approach to helping job seekers. We cover why mindset trumps résumés, how trust is the real currency in hiring, and why breaking through the ATS isn’t as impossible as it seems. You’ll hear practical strategies on: Using vulnerability to build trust in interviews Framing cold outreach so it’s about the employer, not you Avoiding the “résumé purge” when making a career pivot Navigating multi-step hiring processes without burning out Storytelling in résumés, cover letters, and interviews Reframing employment gaps as human experiences Why job seeking doesn’t have to be a full-time job Eric also outlines his coaching framework for getting clients hired—often in three months or less—and offers encouragement for anyone currently in a career transition. Connect with Eric: "Get Hired FAST!" Career Coaching Program

Description: In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we sit down with Traverse Jobs' longest continuous subscriber, Narric Rome. A DC veteran since 1994, Narric shares how internships, lobbying, campaign work, and advocacy shaped his career—and how staying curious (and checking job boards daily) helped him stay relevant. The conversation dives into: ✅ How Narric landed his first jobs in DC ✅ Why internships are underrated ✅ Lessons from the campaign trail ✅ Transitioning between subject matter expertise and advocacy ✅ Why design and comms are the hottest growth areas in policy ✅ How to stand out in a 400-resume job pile ✅ Tips for early career professionals and the importance of real networking If you've ever wondered how to build a sustainable career in DC—or what the job market is trying to tell you—this one's for you.

Thinking about pivoting to an international career—or finally making that leap overseas? In this episode of Career Pulse DC, host Margaret Knudsen sits down with international careers coach Dawson Law and Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs, for a dynamic conversation about navigating global job markets. Dawson shares his own career journey—from working at the State Department to representing the Treasury in London—and how that inspired his work helping 70+ clients land roles across government, NGOs, and the private sector. 🎧 You’ll learn: What makes international job searches uniquely challenging—and how to beat the odds How to strategically use foreign language skills (without getting pigeonholed) The real role of grad school in international affairs How to network across borders (yes, even from your couch) Tips for resumes, interviews, and negotiating salaries in global contexts How to pivot mid-career—even without prior international experience What a federal hiring freeze means for job seekers Whether you're fresh out of college or eyeing a second-act career abroad, Dawson’s insights are invaluable. 📍Resources Mentioned:  🔗 InternationalCareersCoach.com  📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected].

Guest: Karen Carter, Internship Advisor, Washington Semester Program (American University) Special Guest: Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs Episode Summary: In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we dive deep into one of the most impactful entry points to a career in politics, policy, and public service: the internship. Margaret is joined by Karen Carter from American University’s renowned Washington Semester Program (WSP), alongside Fraser Traverse, a proud WSP alum and the CEO of Traverse Jobs. Karen shares what makes the WSP one of DC’s longest-running and most respected internship programs, the kinds of placements available to students, and what it takes to land a meaningful internship in the nation's capital. Fraser reflects on how WSP launched her own career and offers insight into today’s job and internship market. Whether you’re a college student, career advisor, or just curious about how internships shape the DC career pipeline, this episode is packed with advice, tips, and firsthand stories. What You’ll Learn: The history and impact of AU’s Washington Semester Program What sets WSP apart from other internship experiences in DC How students from a wide range of majors—from political science to IT—find tailored internship placements Resume and cover letter tips for students with little prior work experience Why being proactive and applying early is key (think: 40 applications!) The value of networking, site visits, and making the most of DC’s opportunities How WSP alumni—including Paul Ryan, America Ferrera, and Lori Lightfoot—have gone on to impactful careers Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more about the Washington Semester Program: american.edu/washington-semester-program 🔗 Find internships and jobs in politics and public affairs: TraverseJobs.com Connect with Us: 📌 Follow @TraverseJobs on social for job tips and DC career insights 📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at [email protected]

Join us as we explore the origin story behind Traverse Jobs, the key workforce trends shaping this industry, and the advice Brad and Fraser have for powering your career in D.C. and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or already making waves, Career Pulse DC provides the knowledge and connections to take your career to new heights.