Congratulations to the Class of 2009 who were the first to graduate from Batten and are doing incredible work around the country. We are highlighting the achievements of this inaugural class, now 15 years into their post-Batten careers, alongside their advice to current and future Batten students.

• Place of residence: Washington, DC
• Current employment: Director for China Policy at Department of Defense
• Favorite Batten class: Fred Hitz’ class on Intelligence and National Security 
• Advice for current/future students: Don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews with professionals in your field of interest - people love sharing their stories and advice for how they got to where they are. 

• Place of residence: Leesburg, VA
• Current employment: Acting Deputy Associate Administrator for Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, US Dept of Energy
• Favorite Batten professor: Jeanine Braithwaite
• Advice for current/future students: Don’t worry, it will all work out. 

• Place of residence: Charlottesville, VA
• Current employment: Partner - Energy, Sustainability & Infrastructure - Guidehouse Consulting
• Advice for current/future students: Enthusiasm is worth 20 IQ points. Be positive. Also, use the Batten alumni network and don't hesitate to follow up with people multiple times. The worst someone can do is not respond but every new connection could open a new door professionally. 

• Place of residence: Washington, DC
• Current employment: Nonprofit consulting in international development
• Favorite Batten professor: Jeannine Braithwaite
• Advice for current/future students: Follow your passion.

• Place of residence: Denver, CO
• Current employment: Nonprofit fundraising (Charter School Growth Fund)
• Favorite Batten professor: Brian Balogh
• Advice for current/future students: Use internships and externships to explore policy areas and careers before you go "all in," and the group and presentation work to find your personal strengths and voice.

• Place of residence: New York, NY
• Current employment: Founder & CEO, Global Green Solutions
• Favorite Batten professor: Jeanine Braithwaite — she gave us practical support and interesting material.  Professor Sanjay Jain - such a lovely man who taught us economics in not only easily digestible ways but also with heart and humor. Mike Thomas - not a professor but our advisor who gave us into real world experiences. (Shout out to Jill Rockwell and Lara Jacobsen for being our moms. Edie Simms also did so much for me!)
• Advice for current/future students: Try everything and fail! Then do it again, keep going. Connect deeply with the communities you’re serving. Have so much fun!!