WGU’s Night Owls Event Connects D.C. Students and Alumni with Hiring Employers

By: Dr. K.L. Allen, Regional Vice President for Western Governor's University

Western Governors University (WGU) brought together students, alumni, and employers from across the D.C. region for “Night Owls’ Night Out: Career Builders Edition,” an in-person event focused on career growth and networking. Held at The Conference Center at The Square, the evening highlighted how local employers and educators are working together to better connect talent with opportunity.

Attendees engaged with employer partners including SHRM, ManTech, and StreetWise, participated in career workshops, and took advantage of complimentary professional headshots. The event also created space for one-on-one conversations with alumni and workforce leaders, helping attendees build relationships and explore next steps in their careers.

The evening underscored the role of employer-education collaboration in preparing today’s workforce. As Nicole Belyna, Director of Talent at SHRM, noted:

“WGU is at the forefront of a skills-based approach that aligns education with what today’s employers actually need. Partnering on events like this helps translate that approach into real career momentum for students and alumni. If we’re serious about closing the gap between education and employment, partnerships like this are essential. WGU is demonstrating what it looks like to build a truly skills-first talent pipeline—and that’s where the future is headed.”

Events like this reflect growing interest across the D.C. region in strengthening connections between education and employers and expanding pathways to career advancement.