Dominick Giannini ’21
Bachelor's degree in History/Political Science
From an early age growing up in Warren, PA, Dominick Giannini ‘21 had an inexplicable fascination with politics. His mother recalls an 8-year-old Dominick engaging her in a debate about immigration policy while waiting for the school bus. Where he learned about such a fraught political topic she had no idea.
Fast forward to today when Giannini stands at the epicenter of American politics as a staff assistant to US Senator John Fetterman. The journey from Warren to Washington, DC, wasn’t straightforward, but it’s a testament to the profound impact of his education at Pitt-Bradford and his dedication to public service.
As Giannini explains, Pitt-Bradford provided a close-knit community and remarkable professors who shaped his academic journey and his trajectory into politics. He particularly remembers his classes with Dr. Stephen Robar, associate professor of political science.
"Dr. Robar’s classes were some of the strangest and most enjoyable lectures," Giannini said. “His classes were certainly a highlight of my academic career.”
The mentorship of professors like Dr. Robar, Dr. Helma de Vries-Jordan, Dr. Drew Flanagan, and John Schlimm were also instrumental in honing Giannini’s writing and communication skills, essential tools for his future career in politics.
They were some of the most helpful people I have met in my life
After graduating in 2021, Giannini taught high school in his hometown, but the allure of politics and public service continued to call to him.
In September 2023, Giannini secured an internship in Sen. Fetterman’s office, which then developed into a full-time position as staff assistant in March 2024.
Giannini's role as a staff assistant encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, involving front-office operations, facilitating communications, handling constituent services, and overseeing tours of landmarks like the Capitol and the White House.
Working in Washington, DC, has provided Giannini a unique opportunity to serve the public and make a difference.
“This is the big leagues of public service,” he said. “If you're someone who wants to make an impact in public service, this is the place to do it.”
While working full-time in the Senate, Giannini is also pursuing a master’s degree in international affairs at American University. The program focuses on global governance, politics, and security, aligning perfectly with his career aspirations of working in foreign policy and national security.
Giannini’s advice to aspiring political professionals is straightforward: "You have to network hard, speak to anybody you can who works in the policy space, and be prepared to dive off the deep end and move to DC."
Reflecting on his time at Pitt-Bradford, Giannini credits the university for laying the foundation of his success.
"The best thing about Pitt-Bradford was the people," he says, highlighting the invaluable relationships he built with peers and professors. These connections, coupled with the high-quality education he received, were crucial in helping him navigate his career path and achieving his goals of public service.