General Information

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The event aims to bring together CLS alumni from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations to network, receive professional development opportunities, and support their unique language retention needs. The conference also provides access to career coaching and job recruiters to give alumni the tools and resources needed to succeed and advance their careers. Featuring multiple employers from diverse sectors and industries, including NGOs, private corporations, and federal government agencies, alumni will have the opportunity to attend information sessions and submit resumes to interested employers.

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Prospective Sessions

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• Welcome & Spotlight on ECA & American Councils: This session is aimed at setting the tone for the conference and is traditionally formatted as a welcome session.

• CLSAS Board Town Hall: CLSAS Board Members will briefly share important conference logistical information, give an update on the year’s activities and future plans for the organization.  

• Keynote Address: We will feature a recognized leader in a language education, international affairs or geo-political field. Moderated Q&A to follow the remarks. 

• Career Development: We anticipate holding multiple sessions with prospective employers who will equip attendees with tips and strategies for advancing their careers in their respective fields. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with NGO, government, STEM, and private corporate recruiters seeking to hire a diverse group of international exchange alumni with critical language experience and capabilities. 

• Continuing Education: This session will host organizations and representatives in the international education space, such as APSIA.

• Language-focused Social Hour: We will host several times for casual socializing and networking, and at least one of these will feature dedicated tables or areas for conversations to be held in each CLS language. 

• Alumni Panel: This session will feature a group of accomplished CLS alumni to share their experiences and insights with current students, recent graduates, young professionals, and other conference attendees.

• Language, Arts, & Culture:  This year’s session will continue to explore the range of possibilities that exist in the pursuit of creative careers. 

• Federal Careers Sessions: CLSAS has long been a recruiting partner for various federal departments and agencies, and we plan to continue those partnerships in 2024. Sessions may include presentations, meetings, and mock interviews with representatives of: 

  • Dept. of State (various bureaus and offices)

  • Central Intelligence Agency (various directorates)

  • National Security Agency (various units)

  • Dept. of Justice (various units)

  • Dept. of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency

  • Dept. of Energy (various units)

  • Dept. of Defense & Military Branches (various units)

  • USAID

• Private Sector Careers Sessions: CLSAS will seek to leverage its alumni network to gain the participation of representatives from private sector companies in the following industries, especially regarding prospective career paths that would leverage the linguistic, cultural, or geopolitical expertise of CLS alumni. Industries we will target include, but are not limited to: 

  • Government contractors (Defense, Logistics, etc.)

  • Interpretation & Translation

  • Engineering & Technology

  • Travel & Hospitality

  • Finance

  • Medicine & Healthcare

  • Management Consulting

  • Public/Government Affairs

  • Law