Behind-the-scenes access

Executive MBA students experience law, policy, and governance in Washington, D.C.

The executive MBA (EMBA) is a premier program offering students unique opportunities to gain behind-the-scenes access to business and government operations. As part of the curriculum, students take a three-day working trip to Washington, D.C. in the fall of the second year.

Second-year EMBA students traveled to Washington, D.C. in September 2023. The EMBA program partners with the Washington Campus, a non-profit, non-partisan, higher education association, which coordinates all speakers and visits. Their mission is to “promote and support public affairs and public policy education for current and future organizational leaders.” Students participated in meetings that covered corporate public affairs, trade, immigration, regulation, lobbying, associations, and fiscal policy affecting the food, agriculture, and biosystems industries.

“We had the fortune of listening to impactful policy-makers and lobbyists sharing insights on the importance of expressing your voice in government to influence policy change,” said second-year student Dezi Mickelson, human resources director at Proliant Health & Biologicals. “The trip opened my eyes to a whole world I feel fairly removed from in my day-to-day.”

The Washington Campus carefully selects relevant and customized presentations within the food, agriculture, and biosystems industries. These presentations allow students to engage with government experts and policymakers on critical topics in today’s business environment.

“In addition to learning more about the political system in general, we engaged in discussions surrounding the challenges and opportunities agriculture faces and the importance of having a seat at the table,” said Melissa Norem, second-year student and director of producer strategy at Scoular.

“We had the fortune of listening to impactful policy makers and lobbyists sharing insights on the importance of expressing your voice in government to influence policy change. The trip opened my eyes to a whole world I feel fairly removed from in my day-to-day.”

— Dezi Mickelson

The trip included a visit to Capitol Hill to meet with those who collaborate closely with elected officials. This year’s trip also coincided with a looming government shutdown. “It was interesting to be there in light of a potential government shutdown later [in the] month. I appreciated hearing viewpoints of what got us here and what will get us out,” said Norem.

A unique feature of the EMBA is its cohort-based model. Students progress through the academic curriculum together and finish their MBA at the same time. All cohort members possess extensive business experience with a minimum of five years of work experience and an average of 15 years of work experience. A bonus of the Washington, D.C. study trip is the strengthened connections between students.

The trip is a critical component of the program. For those interested in learning more, please contact the program coordinator at emba@iastate.edu.

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