In this episode of Career Pulse DC, Margaret Knudsen and Fraser Traverse sit down with career coach, public servant, and Win at Work podcast host Eric Woodard to talk about navigating the 2025 job market.

Eric shares his unconventional path from scuba instructor in Guam to working in the White House, U.S. Senate, State Department, and Smithsonian—and how those experiences inform his approach to helping job seekers. We cover why mindset trumps résumés, how trust is the real currency in hiring, and why breaking through the ATS isn’t as impossible as it seems.

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Eric also outlines his coaching framework for getting clients hired—often in three months or less—and offers encouragement for anyone currently in a career transition.

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The conversation dives into:

✅ How Narric landed his first jobs in DC

✅ Why internships are underrated

✅ Lessons from the campaign trail

✅ Transitioning between subject matter expertise and advocacy

✅ Why design and comms are the hottest growth areas in policy

✅ How to stand out in a 400-resume job pile

✅ Tips for early career professionals and the importance of real networking

If you've ever wondered how to build a sustainable career in DC—or what the job market is trying to tell you—this one's for you.

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.

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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 [email protected].

Guest: Karen Carter, Internship Advisor, Washington Semester Program (American University)

Episode Summary:

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:

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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.