TFAS Alumni Profile – Andrew Visentine ’24
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumni Andrew Visentine ’24, a chemical engineering major from Texas A&M University, who discovered a whole new world during his transformative summer in Washington, D.C. As a standout intern at LNG Allies, Andrew delved into the heart of policymaking and gained hands-on experience in the energy sector, which would shape his career path. Living in such a historic city, he found excitement in exploring the sites and embracing the heart of D.C. culture.
🎓 University: Texas A&M University
📚 Major: Chemical Engineering
📍 Hometown: Flower Mound, TX
🧭 Program Track: International Affairs
💼 Internship: LNG Allies
What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?
⚡Energy Summit
One of the most incredible things I got to do this past summer was go to Politico’s 2024 Energy Summit. It was only day two of my internship, and I was still barely figuring out D.C. and the whole energy sector where I would focus all summer. Luckily for me, this day was when many of the country’s top minds in energy policy would get together live on stage to discuss pressing issues. Hearing from multiple executives, members of Congress and even the United States Secretary of Energy, Jennifer Granholm, was a mind-blowing way to start my time in D.C. It helped me hit the ground running for the rest of my eight weeks.
What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?
🚆All Aboard!
My favorite part of living in D.C. was getting around the city via Metro, Washinton’s underground train system. Being from Texas, I was worried about how I would fare without a car for eight weeks. Luckily, D.C. is so well connected by rail that I could be anywhere, anytime, for events. My record was seven metro trips in one day, and I rode over 446 miles on those tracks throughout the summer. The Metro was always very clean and orderly; I loved it.
WHENEVER I WAS AT A NEW EVENT, I WAS AMAZED AT HOW MANY INTERESTING PEOPLE WANTED TO CONNECT
ANDREW VISENTINE ’24
How did you grow professionally during your time in Washington, D.C.?
🤝 Network, Network, NETWORK
The skill I grew most in was my networking. Whenever I was at a new event, I was amazed at how many interesting people wanted to connect. Everyone was always willing to share their work and keen to hear about mine. A few brief interactions even turned into longer follow-ups over coffee. I’m confident that if I asked anyone in D.C. to chat with me and help me reach out to others, they would—lots of amazing people in D.C.
What was your favorite TFAS event?
🌍 Diplomatic Simulation
My favorite event was the diplomatic simulation. Playing an Iranian diplomat in a simulated reworking of the Iran Nuclear Deal was a complete power trip. It was also exhilarating to officially win the negotiation and have our outcome be most preferred. Professor Benjamin Radd, who ran the exercise, was very dubious about our strategy of perceived capitulation but amazed when we managed to walk everyone else in enough circles to come out on top.
Andrew and fellow TFAS students at the diplomatic simulation
What advice do you have for future TFAS students?
☀️ Soak up every Second
You can sleep after it’s all done. There is so much to see going on in D.C. that there is never a dull moment. I went to every social event I could and spent almost every weekend in a different museum. It was awesome. Take up every opportunity, no matter how it may sound. I am not interested in pursuing a law degree, but one of the best speakers I heard from was Judge Chad Readler. He is a great communicator, and by the end of his fireside chat, I had to remind myself that I’m not going to law school.