Jeremy Bash (C'93) Discusses CIA Career with Georgetown Students
April 5, 2010
On March 23, Jeremy Bash (C’93) visited the Georgetown campus to speak at a Dean’s Lunch Seminar. The seminars, organized by the College several times each semester, bring together notable College alumni and current students interested in the speaker’s professional story for a conversation over lunch. Bash, who is the Chief of Staff to CIA Director Leon Panetta, drew a keenly interested crowd.
The Dean’s Lunch Seminars are always popular events, and at Bash’s talk all the seats were filled. While the students’ majors ranged from French to math to government, everyone in attendance was curious to know how they too could cultivate a career path like the one Bash took: from Georgetown student to prominent government leader.
An American government major, Bash’s educational experience at Georgetown extended well beyond the classroom. Early on, he joined the staff of The Hoya and eventually became editor-in-chief. He explored other interests but always found himself invested in the political life of the campus.
During Bash’s college years there were many national security issues taking place that he was able to explore as both a student and journalist at Georgetown’s well-positioned campus. “I tried to take advantage of speakers who came through and events that were happening,” he explained. When former president and Georgetown alumnus Bill Clinton ran for office in 1992, for example, Bash was able to interview him for The Hoya. Such experiences only enhanced the work he was pursuing in the classroom.
Bash eventually went on to Harvard Law School where he again used the writing skills that he honed at The Hoya as an editor of the Harvard Law Review. After graduating from Harvard he worked at the Democratic Leadership Council, volunteered for Al Gore’s presidential campaign where he played a key role in the vote recount in Florida for the 2000 election, and practiced law at a private firm.
Following the events of 9/11, Bash rediscovered his interest in national security issues. Thus, after the election of President Obama, he eagerly accepted the invitation to work on the National Security Policy Working Group, which assisted in the transition to Obama’s presidency. When Obama nominated Leon Panetta as Director of the CIA, Bash was armed with both the knowledge and experience necessary to be appointed Chief of Staff to Panetta.
Arman Ismail (C’11), who attended the Dean’s Lunch Seminar and aspires to work in public service, reflected on Bash’s talk: “It was wonderful hearing about his fascinating experiences. And it is important for people like me, who may be interested in following in his footsteps.”
In the conversations between Bash and the students at the Dean’s Lunch Seminar, it was evident that many of the students are considering a career similar to his, in government or national security. Several questioned Bash about what skills are needed to succeed in the field. Bash offered to stay in touch with anyone interested. Students lined up to get Bash’s contact information for continued conversation and, perhaps, a future job in the government.
“This is about passion,” said Bash. “If you find something you are fired up about, it is going to be easy to succeed.”
—Kara Burritt
