Featured Alumni

Our alumni are empowering the Bay Area and communities all around the world! Learn more about our Alumni's experiences and where their degrees have taken them and about their most fond memories here at San José State!

Domingo Juan

Role: Democracy Project Assistant - Bipartisan Policy Center in        Washington, DC

Major: Political Science '12

I currently work as the Democracy Project Assistant for a Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, DC, a role I accepted in March 2013. The Bipartisan Policy Center is the only Washington, DC think-tank that actively promotes bipartisanship. The Democracy Project is primarily responsible for research in government institutions, electoral reform, political structures and parties, civil discourse, and anything related to governance.

In my role, I assist the Project's director and staff. Our biggest project since I joined is the Commission on Political Reform, a bipartisan commission of former members of Congress, business and community leaders, and educators who are aiming to fix the country's polarization through three major areas: promoting public service, improving the country's electoral reform, and reforming the gridlock in Congress.

Why are you proud to be a Spartan? I am proud to be a Spartan because San Jose State showed me a great community while also helping me grow as an individual. SJSU provided me a great learning environment, lifelong friends, and very helpful mentors.

What is one of your most memorable career accomplishments? Right after I graduated in May 2012, I moved to Washington, DC to take a position with Congressman Mike Honda, a fellow SJSU alumnus. In my role as an Congressional Intern, I assisted the office a variety of policy and administrative tasks. It was truly an amazing and life-changing experience. It also introduced me to the current city I am in, and I have not looked back ever since. But despite the beauty and captivating scenery of the nation's capital, the Bay Area is my true home.

What activities/organizations were you involved in as a student? I served as Vice-President and Interim President of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society in the Fall 2011-Spring 2012 academic year. I must say it was a wonderful experience where I met many great people who shared the same passion as I.

Which SJSU professor/staff had the greatest impact on you and why? Two professors really had a big impact on me as an SJSU student and political buff: Professors Terry Christensen and Constantine Danopoulos. Dr. Christensen showed me possible pathways to the public policy world, and place where I feel that I belong. Dr. Danopoulos's eloquence and wit kept me in tune with international relations and public policy in general. I thank them bother, and every professor I had at SJSU, for where I am today.

What influenced your success in getting a job after college? Without attempting to sound cliché, hard work and determination truly does pay off. As a graduate, nothing will automatically knock on your door. Constantly working harder day by day is part of following your dream. If you are doing the same thing today as you did yesterday, don't expect different results.

Advice to current SJSU students: Do not be afraid to swallow your pride and ask for help when you need to. SJSU is filled with great professors who can help you get to where you want to go. Whether that's graduate school, a job, or simple guidance, knock on their doors and they will answer. Work hard, keep your heads up, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.