Peter Burns is challenging social stereotypes in his role as a policy advisor on Capitol hill. On Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., students filled the Household Commons to hear his career story and gain insight into navigating politics in Washington, D.C. 

Burns, a former homeschooler, is a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he focuses on advocating for international religious freedom.  

He opened his talk by outlining the various jobs that led to his current role. Burns began as a Senate intern, worked on Sen. Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, and later served as a policy analyst for former Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback. It was during that final experience that led him to discern his long-term career calling. 

“I really didn’t know where I wanted to work or what issue I wanted to cover,” said Burns. However, a fellowship trip to the Middle East during the Kansas legislature’s summer recess changed that. After meeting Christian refugees who had fled ISIS, he committed himself to fighting religious persecution through U.S. foreign policy. 

Based on that experience, Burns encouraged students to explore a wide range of roles until they discover their niche in public policy. Even within the State Department, he said, there are dozens of branches and bureaus, which he illustrated with a complex diagram.  

Burns emphasized the importance of setting clear goals during the job search. “If you’re thinking about trying to … get a job in the administration … you’re more likely to actually find and land a spot if you get specific about where you want to go.”   

He also stressed the value of connections with likeminded people in Washington. “Identify other people of character, build trust-based relationships with them, and when the moment comes, that person will vouch for you,” Burns advised. One easy way to start, he added, is to invite someone for coffee to learn about their career path. 

The presentation concluded with a brief Q&A session, and many students lined up afterwards to continue talking to Burns.    

Reflecting on the event, senior political science and history major Anna Myron said, “The best piece of advice was to zone in on what you want … do some research on that specific department and narrow down what branch of that department you’d like to work in.”  

She and many other students there expressed gratitude for the insights that Burns shared.