TFAS Alumni Profile - Ashleigh Weinstock '24

Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumna Ashleigh Weinstock ’24, a marketing and communications major from Pepperdine University, who discovered a whole new world during her transformative summer in Washington, D.C. As a standout intern at Dell Technologies, Ashleigh delved into the heart of lobbying and gained hands-on experience that would shape her career path. Living in such a historic city, she found excitement in exploring the sites, fostering genuine relationships with fellow D.C. interns and embracing the heart of American culture.

🎓 University: Pepperdine University
📚 Major: Integrated Marketing and Communications
📍 Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
🧭 Program Track: Business + Government Relations
💼 Internship: Dell Technologies

What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?

📚 Long-Term Research Project
This summer, I was the government affairs intern at Dell Technologies. As the only intern in the small, high-level office, I had fantastic access to professional development opportunities that I never expected this early in my career. At Dell, I was able to work on a large-scale, long-term research project to help inform its corporate strategy surrounding environmentally friendly data centers and servers. I could talk with executives, engineers, government affairs professionals worldwide and others around Dell. The project culminated in giving a 30-minute presentation to the government affairs and communications teams, presenting my findings and recommendations. It was such a fantastic opportunity to learn from and work alongside highly successful professionals and contribute to the long-term success of a Fortune 500 company.

D.C. HAS A CULTURE OF INTELLECTUALCURIOSITY UNLIKE ANY OTHER CITY I’VE KNOWN … TFAS HAS PROVIDED US WITH LONG-TERM PROFESSIONAL MOUNTING SYSTEMS AND PERSONAL BONDS FOR OUR FUTURE CAREERS
ASHLEIGH WEINSTOCK ’24

What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?

🪴A Culture of Growth
D.C. has a culture of intellectual curiosity unlike any other city I’ve known. A high value is placed on everyday conversation and learning from the people around you. The relationships I formed at TFAS exemplified that. I have no doubt I’ll talk to over a dozen friends and mentors I met through this program for many years to come. We have all agreed that TFAS has provided us with long-term professional mounting systems and personal bonds for our future careers.

How did you grow professionally during your time in Washington, D.C.?

👋 Putting Myself Out There
My supervisor at Dell was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. I learned so much about D.C.’s professional culture, and she encouraged me to seek feedback and put myself out there to make new connections, even with people much further along in their careers than I am. I was given access to events and webinars hosted by government agencies, think tanks and associations, making me much more well-rounded. Also, I’m so much more confident in my ability to network with people in all industries thanks to her mentorship, and the many opportunities TFAS presented me with.

What was your favorite TFAS event?

🏆 Scholarship Dinner
My favorite TFAS event was, without a doubt, the annual scholarship dinner. As the evening’s student speaker, I was privileged to speak alongside senators and business leaders. I met Senators Katie Britt and Ted Cruz, as well as corporate executives from many industries, at this dinner. Meeting these leaders and donors who make TFAS possible was a pleasure. They were all so warm and interested in each student’s experience. You can tell how much they care about and believe in this program. As a student, I can see why.

What advice do you have for future TFAS students?

🫵 You Get Out What You Put In
This program is what you make of it. Every class, lecture and event, whether required or optional, provides introductions, advice and experience that most professionals don’t have access to until much further in their careers. You must show up, pay attention and try to connect with speakers and guests to get the benefits. TFAS is made for the hardworking, curious and driven student. TFAS is here to support you, and if you want that experience, you can have it if you push yourself.