Career Pulse DC

The Origin Story of Traverse Jobs with Brad & Fraser Traverse

Join us as we explore the origin story behind Traverse Jobs, the key workforce trends shaping this industry, and the advice Brad and Fraser have for powering your career in D.C. and beyond. Whether you're just starting out or already making waves, Career Pulse DC provides the knowledge and connections to take your career to new heights.

The DC Internship Advantage

Guest: Karen Carter, Internship Advisor, Washington Semester Program (American University)Special Guest: Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs
Episode Summary:In this episode of Career Pulse DC, we dive deep into one of the most impactful entry points to a career in politics, policy, and public service: the internship. Margaret is joined by Karen Carter from American University’s renowned Washington Semester Program (WSP), alongside Fraser Traverse, a proud WSP alum and the CEO of Traverse Jobs.
Karen shares what makes the WSP one of DC’s longest-running and most respected internship programs, the kinds of placements available to students, and what it takes to land a meaningful internship in the nation's capital. Fraser reflects on how WSP launched her own career and offers insight into today’s job and internship market.
Whether you’re a college student, career advisor, or just curious about how internships shape the DC career pipeline, this episode is packed with advice, tips, and firsthand stories.
What You’ll Learn:
The history and impact of AU’s Washington Semester Program
What sets WSP apart from other internship experiences in DC
How students from a wide range of majors—from political science to IT—find tailored internship placements
Resume and cover letter tips for students with little prior work experience
Why being proactive and applying early is key (think: 40 applications!)
The value of networking, site visits, and making the most of DC’s opportunities
How WSP alumni—including Paul Ryan, America Ferrera, and Lori Lightfoot—have gone on to impactful careers
Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Learn more about the Washington Semester Program: american.edu/washington-semester-program 🔗 Find internships and jobs in politics and public affairs: TraverseJobs.com
Connect with Us: 📌 Follow @TraverseJobs on social for job tips and DC career insights 📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at margaret@traversejobs.com

Breaking Into International Careers with Dawson Law

Thinking about pivoting to an international career—or finally making that leap overseas? In this episode of Career Pulse DC, host Margaret Knudsen sits down with international careers coach Dawson Law and Fraser Traverse, CEO of Traverse Jobs, for a dynamic conversation about navigating global job markets.
Dawson shares his own career journey—from working at the State Department to representing the Treasury in London—and how that inspired his work helping 70+ clients land roles across government, NGOs, and the private sector.
🎧 You’ll learn:
What makes international job searches uniquely challenging—and how to beat the odds
How to strategically use foreign language skills (without getting pigeonholed)
The real role of grad school in international affairs
How to network across borders (yes, even from your couch)
Tips for resumes, interviews, and negotiating salaries in global contexts
How to pivot mid-career—even without prior international experience
What a federal hiring freeze means for job seekers
Whether you're fresh out of college or eyeing a second-act career abroad, Dawson’s insights are invaluable.
📍Resources Mentioned:
 🔗 InternationalCareersCoach.com
 📧 Got questions or want to be a guest? Email us at margaret@traversejobs.com.