I had lunch with a government employee today and she was telling me that everything she does at work has such a process to it. She went on to say she feels like she could be more productive if some of the "red tape" were eliminated. Her job at the moment is fact-checking reports that everyone else writes.
It will get better though! I was reminded that when starting out to work in the government, you have to be pateient. You are probably going to spend a few years getting low pay (great benefits though!!) and not doing the most rewarding work. It will change though!
For instance, when you start out working on Capitol Hill, you are most likely going to be a Staff Assistant or a Legislative Correspondent and making $27,000-$30,000. And you are probably going to be doing work that you think is pretty meaningless-- such as answering phones or writing letters. And you will be living in a house with far too many roommates. But ten years later, you will look back and realize it was all worth it for the experience.
And everyone has to do it--but it does get better!
Paying Your Dues
Working with Legislation to make a difference!
Working in the government. There isn’t anything that is much more rewarding than working in the government. I always hear people talking about how they want their job to mean something—want to feel good at the end of a long day. I think working in the government is where it is at. When you work for the government, you are directly working for things that will change the lives of millions of Americans.
I think that working as a Capitol Hill Staffer is especially rewarding. The Legislative Assistants and Legislative Directors all work to research issues and brief the Congressman or Congresswoman on how to vote and how his or her district will be affected by the legislation. So instead of calling your Member of Congress, why not work for him or her so you can influence legislation and make a difference for your district?
Tips for Networking
In the business of the government, chances are you are going to get at least one job or internship based on who you know. Employers would much rather hire someone they know, rather than someone they aren’t sure will work out. The key here is to make sure you know the right people. The best way to meet people is by networking- if you are interested in working on Capitol Hill, start going to receptions on Capitol Hill. If you are looking for a job in journalism, start attending events at the National Press club. Go to the places you know important people in your field spend time.
Here are four helpful tips on how to get better at networking!
Four Tips on Networking:
1.) Get business cards. It doesn’t matter if you are just a student you should have business cards with your contact info to pass out at networking events. It is also important to get business cards from the people you talk to. You never know when you will want to get in contact with those people again.
2.) This goes along with number 1, but make sure that while you are collecting business cards you keep them in a file, there is nothing worse than wanting to contact someone and not knowing where you put his or her business card or not remembering where you met that person. WRITE ON THE BACK OF THE BUSINESS CARD WHERE YOU MET THAT PERSON. That way when you contact him or her you can say “I heard you speak at _________ and I had a couple of questions….”
3.) Don’t be shy! Make sure you introduce yourself to people. Strike up conversation with them, even if it isn’t about anything important. Make sure you show interest in their companies if you are at all interested in it.
4.) Don’t drink too much! Many of the networking events you will go to, especially in Washington, D.C., will have drinks at them—usually an open bar. Limit yourself to only one drink, and spend the entire night drinking it. You don’t want a potential employer seeing you intoxicated. It is embarrassing, not to mention unprofessional.
I hope these tips help you in preparing to look for your next job/internship!
