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What is the best way to get a job on capitol hill post-grad?
i'm a graduating senior who has had an internship on capitol hill
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Brian’s Answer
Basically, you need to (1) have the experience and background to justify you working on the hill and (2) convince an individual that they should hire you for that job.
Best way is to attend a university that has strong relationships with people who work on capitol hill, be it elected officials, lobbyists, or other organizations. Then you just apply!
It sounds like you've already done that. So, keep going! Intern again. Do informational interviews with connections from your last internship. Figure out who needs someone with your skills or is willing to build you up.
Best way is to attend a university that has strong relationships with people who work on capitol hill, be it elected officials, lobbyists, or other organizations. Then you just apply!
It sounds like you've already done that. So, keep going! Intern again. Do informational interviews with connections from your last internship. Figure out who needs someone with your skills or is willing to build you up.
Updated
Robyn’s Answer
Hi there! Excellent question. There are many different avenues you can take to get a job on capitol hill. I recommend pursuing the major, internships, and extra curriculars you enjoy that are approximate to the kinds of jobs you wish to do on the hill. Even better would be to go to a school nearby like GW or Georgetown and take courses in political science, public affairs, government etc. Networking is pretty critical and getting contacts that can get your foot in the door would be ideal. Oftentimes just being in DC sprouts opportunities you never knew existed or could get if you were elsewhere. I really enjoyed journalism and public affairs so I did my degree in DC and there was always something going on where I could connect with a person or an organization that was of the moment and helped me get to the good stories. I made a lot of great connections. It is a wonderful place to be to get where you want to go.
Study political science
Get an internship or a job in DC
Network
Robyn recommends the following next steps: