Pathways to Opportunity with the WITA Academy

Friday, December 2, 2022
9:00 am -11:30 am CT

Pathways to Opportunity with the WITA Academy

This event is free for all UNL, UNO, UNK students.

Students will gain insight from trade professionals, pose questions to policy makers, and learn about opportunities in international affairs, business and trade. Students come away with an understanding of the trade policy-making community, the role of its key players, and the opportunities for internships and careers available to them.

The WITA Academy Pathways to Opportunity program consists of a series of career pathways sessions hosted by trade professionals from the Washington D.C. policy community. The curriculum, divided between the public and private sector, will utilize the expertise and career journeys of our members to highlight different roles and job paths that are available in Washington D.C. and around the world. Learn directly from career professionals and learn about opportunities in Washington D.C. and around the world.

Students who participate will receive a guide to navigating career paths in international affairs, business and trade along with resources to find currently available internships and entry-level positions.

Fall 2022 Curriculum:

  • Opportunities at the International Trade Administration and the Department of Commerce (Global Markets, Industry and Analysis, Foreign Commercial Service and Enforcement & Compliance)
  • The U.S. International Trade Commission – Investigations and Analysis
  • International Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Government and Public Affairs – Corporate Pathways in Policy

Breakout Sessions:

  • Skills Training for the U.S. Private Sector
  • Navigating USAJobs.com

Emily Beline, Senior Counsel for International Regulatory Affairs, FedEx;
formerly with U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce

Eric Biel, Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown Law;
former Department of Labor, International Labour Organization, Human Rights First , Commerce Department and Capitol Hill

Melissa Brewer, Special Counsel, Kelley Drye;
former Attorney Advisor, Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement & Compliance, Department of Commerce

Catherine DeFilippo, Director of Operations, U.S. International Trade Commission

Audrae Erickson, Vice President, Global External & Public Affairs, Reckitt Benckiser;
former President Corn Refiners Association; former Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture

Nasim Fussell, Partner, Holland & Knight;
former Chief International Trade Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance

Van Yeutter, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Cargill