W&L Outcomes: William Dantini ’24 Dantini was selected to join the seventh cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in state government.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
September 10, 2024

William Dantini ’24
Hometown: New Canaan, Connecticut
Major: Global politics and economics double major

 What will you be doing after graduation?

I am moving to Richmond and joining the seventh cohort of the Virginia Management Fellows program. It is a two-year fellowship with the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management and the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance. (During their two-year placement in various state agencies, Fellows work on critical projects, analyze policies and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for challenges facing Virginia.)

How did your career plans evolve over the course of your time at W&L?

When I matriculated, I knew I wanted to study politics and economics. Considering how competitive the political industry is, I considered working in the finance industry. I was pleased to find that there are a lot of opportunities for W&L students in politics, and over time have gotten the support and skills to succeed in the nation’s capital.

What internships or other summer experiences did you partake in and how did those experiences shape you and your career plans?

I first had the opportunity to conduct open-source research for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence through the Virtual Student Federal Service program, which introduced me to the intelligence community and working in analysis. I then interned as a rising junior with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Public Affairs, where I was able to see how an agency functions while learning more about environmental policy and public affairs. I also interned with the W&L Office of Admissions that summer, which greatly improved my communications skills. These experiences helped me build confidence in my ability to intern and work in D.C. while learning about working in a professional environment. With this in mind, I applied for and was accepted into the Washington Term program, where I picked up a lot of networking skills and landed an internship with my congressman, Rep. Jim Himes. I was able to get a summer internship with a lobbying firm, Winning Strategies Washington, using the skills I had gained earlier that year. Washington Term and the experiences I had gave me excellent insight into the policymaking process and gave me the skills I needed to work in D.C. or anywhere in politics. Although I had thought about going into a more analytical field, these last two internships made me realize that I should look more toward opportunities working with policymakers instead.

How did the Office of Career and Professional Development support you, and which resources did you find most helpful?

I used almost every resource from the Office of Career and Professional Development, from resume and cover templates to meeting with career advisers and fellows to attending information sessions on the application process and meeting with visiting organizations. I found the career trips to be the most helpful. Nothing beats being in person and interacting with alumni and different organizations in D.C., which gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about how the policymaking process works and to begin to build a network.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

I studied global politics and economics. Besides the knowledge learned in these disciplines, my classes have helped me develop my research skills by critically analyzing sources and creating concise and organized written products. The intersection of economic models and political analysis is fundamental for balanced policy decisions. The research I have done combining these disciplines has not only been fun but also extremely useful for thinking about how to enact and implement policy, which I am sure I will incorporate in my future work.

What clubs, organizations, athletic teams or other extracurriculars were you involved in that had an impact on you?

I was involved with the Office of Admissions, student government and the University Singers. I thoroughly enjoyed the welcoming environment from the admissions team and the opportunity to help many people with their admissions process. It was a privilege to serve on the Student Judicial Council and the University Board of Appeals, as well as being a member of a few other university committees. I enjoyed representing the student body in deliberations on misconduct as part of our student-led Honor System. Lastly, I have thoroughly enjoyed not just the singing experience, but the community and other opportunities the University Singers has afforded me. We traveled to Ireland twice, the second time for an international competition. We also went to Hawaii and the U.S. South. Connecting with locals from a diverse range of cultures through music and competing on an international stage has been an incredible and eye-opening experience. The comradery from traveling and our annual traditions make the University Singers more of a family than an ensemble.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

In the W&L community, I think I have been most inspired by the alumni whom I have had the privilege of meeting or talking to. These kind folks showed, through their experience, the different career paths and possibilities I could achieve as a W&L student.

Did you connect with alumni during your career development process?

I connected with many alumni, whether it was through Colonnade Connections, on a career trip or during my internships in D.C. These conversations have been insightful and a unique opportunity to hear from important people in the policy-making process.

What career-related advice would you give to next year’s graduating class?

Although your last year may be busy, keep an eye out for new opportunities and keep an open mind about your postgraduate plans. Don’t give up an excellent opportunity even if it is not exactly what you planned on doing.