As a political science and international relations major, there are few cities in the world that I dreamt about living in that will benefit my personal and professional life. Some of those cities include Brussels, Paris, New York City, Geneva, and Washington, DC. Although I loved my experiences in Brussels, Paris & New York City(I have yet to go to Geneva), visiting Washington, D.C. captured my heart in a way none of these cities has before.
The District of Colombia is not just the capital of the United States, but it represents one of the most important cities in the world. Two days ago, when explaining to a foreigner why D.C. was not a state, I said, “D.C. is the representation of the whole United States. It is the people’s city. It is supposed to represent the people’s interests.” This answer derives from what I felt towards D.C. This is what I felt when I landed here the first time. Outside of my professional interests, there are many more reasons why I fell in love with Washington, D.C., and how it has become the city I want to move to next year. Hence five reasons to move to Washington, D.C.
- A City That Does not Feel like a City
The first impression I had the first time I went to Washington, D.C., was that it is a city that feels like something other than a city. The first time I traveled to D.C. was by train. When I got out of Union Station and was waiting for my Uber, I realized how widespread the landscape of D.C. felt. There were no big crowds of people like in New York City, and I loved the green scenery. The vast space gives D.C. the grandeur that it commands. When walking around the city, you have space. It differs from walking in New York City, where you bump into other people. The streets of D.C. are walk-friendly, and every neighborhood has something unique to offer. Aside from the traffic lights that make driving a bit hard and the roundabouts that take a newcomer time to adjust, the directions are relatively easy to comprehend.
- Many Career Opportunities
The second reason I love the District of Columbia is for the many career opportunities it offers. Washington, D.C., is known for its political and international influence; a dream city for someone like me. However, it is also a hub for many other industries. D.C. is the perfect place to be for those seeking a diverse range of career opportunities. The city offers many policy, global health, and technology employment opportunities, making D.C. an ideal location for anyone looking to embark on different career adventures.
`One of the most attractive industries in D.C is the policy sector. The city is home to numerous think tanks, research centers, and advocacy groups that work on various issues such as healthcare, education, and international relations. These organizations offer employment opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds, from researchers and analysts to policy advocates and lobbyists. Working in policy in D.C. can be extremely rewarding, as it allows individuals to directly impact essential issues that affect the country and the world.
In addition to policy, D.C. is also a hub for many international organizations and NGOs. These organizations work on various issues, from human rights and global health to environmental conservation and disaster relief. The city is home to the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the United Nations Foundation, among many others. Working for these organizations can be a fulfilling career path for those interested in positively impacting the world.
Further, D.C. is also a growing technology hub, offering many job opportunities for individuals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds. Companies like Amazon and Google have opened offices in D.C., as have many smaller tech startups. The growing technology hub has increased job opportunities in the tech industry, ranging from software developers and data analysts to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence experts.
As someone currently seeking a job, Washington, D.C., offers me a wide range of career opportunities where I can use my interests and backgrounds. Whether you are interested in policy, global health, technology, or any other field, D.C. is the perfect place to embark on a fulfilling career adventure. With so many organizations and industries in the city, there are plenty of opportunities to impact society and the world positively.
- Great Schools
Another reason D.C. is a great place to grow personally and professionally is its excellent academic institutions. Washington, D.C., is ideal for young professionals looking to further their education. The city is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins, George Washington University, and American University. These institutions offer various degree programs, from law to medicine to business, ensuring something for everyone.
Georgetown University, for example, is one of the country’s most recognized and respected universities, and for good reason. The school has a long history of producing successful graduates, including politicians, business leaders, and even a president. The campus sits in the heart of D.C., which provides students with access to a wealth of opportunities in terms of internships, networking events, and cultural experiences.
In addition to Georgetown, many other great schools in the area are worth considering. Johns Hopkins is an excellent school known for its medical programs and research facilities. George Washington University is another perfect option for those interested in politics or public policy. American University is also a top choice, especially for those pursuing journalism, international relations, or the arts degrees. Overall, the education systems in Washington, D.C., are exceptional and provide students with many opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Cultural Sights
My other favorite thing about Washington, D.C., is the cultural sightings. Washington, DC, is a city rich in history and culture. One of the most significant aspects of the city is its abundance of cultural sites. A visit to Washington, DC, is complete with exploring the various cultural sites around the city. One of the most iconic cultural sites in Washington, DC, is the Smithsonian Institution. Visitors can spend days exploring the various museums and galleries within the Smithsonian, including the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, my favorite.
Additionally, the National Mall is another cultural site that visitors should notice. The National Mall is home to several iconic monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. These monuments offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the United States and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who helped shape the country. Another cultural site is the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This world-renowned institution hosts a variety of performances, including theater, dance, and music. Visitors can enjoy a night out at the theater or attend one of the many free events throughout the year.
Finally, a visit to the Library of Congress is a must for any bibliophile. The Library of Congress is the world’s most extensive library and home to over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, and maps. Visitors can tour the library and explore the various reading rooms and exhibitions on display.
As a history lover, I enjoyed visiting a few cultural sites D.C. had to offer. I saw the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the Museum of African History, and the National Museum of Natural History. I look forward to visiting more sites when I move to Washington, D.C.
- Diversity
Last and most important to me, another reason Washington D.C. won my heart is its diversity. Washington, D.C., is a city filled with diversity, one of the many things that make it a great place. I have enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life, with various cultures and national backgrounds. It’s a melting pot of diversity, and it’s this diversity that makes the city so fascinating, unique, and rich in culture.
It’s common to find yourself conversing with someone from a different culture or nationality, making Washington, D.C., stand out from other cities. The people here are open-minded, welcoming, and accepting of diversity. It’s refreshing to be somewhere where people are genuinely interested in learning about different cultures and backgrounds.
In my experience, Washington, D.C., is the only city where people know someone from another culture. The city has a way of bringing people together, no matter their differences. It’s beautiful to see people from different backgrounds living harmoniously and respecting each other’s cultures and beliefs. I am happy to be moving there next year, making Washington, D.C., a unique and special place to live in.
In conclusion, Washington, D.C., is a city that offers a lot of opportunities for personal and professional growth. From a city that feels more like a town to its many career opportunities, academic institutions, and rich history, D.C. offers something for everyone. Whether interested in politics, policy, technology, or any other field, D.C. is an excellent place to start your career. The District of Columbia represents a unique combination of culture, history, and modernity, making it one of the most exciting cities in the world to live in.
I cannot wait to write to you from the District of Columbia. Until next time, happy holidays.
Xoxo,
Cy
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