From Hometown Roots to National Impact: Charting a Path on the Hill
Can you tell me about your career path that you’ve taken that’s led you to where you are now?
My career path has been a bit different than others. Rather than joining the workforce after graduating in 2023, I decided to do a one year accelerated MBA at Loyola University Maryland to gain a better understanding of what I wanted to do with my future. One of the requirements for my MBA program was to complete an internship in an industry we hope to pursue. When my dad ran for a seat in the Maine State House when I was younger, I remember becoming fascinated with the process of campaigning and thinking, “this is what I want to do with my future.” This led me to intern for both Rep. Estes (KS-04) and Rep. Steube (FL-17) before interning with Senator Collins, the only Republican Member of Congress in New England. Working for Senator Collins and assisting the constituents of Maine is a dream come true. I am looking forward to where my career path will take me in the future.
Can you tell me about your career path that you’ve taken that’s led you to where you are now?
My career path has been a bit different than others. Rather than joining the workforce after graduating in 2023, I decided to do a one year accelerated MBA at Loyola University Maryland to gain a better understanding of what I wanted to do with my future. One of the requirements for my MBA program was to complete an internship in an industry we hope to pursue. When my dad ran for a seat in the Maine State House when I was younger, I remember becoming fascinated with the process of campaigning and thinking, “this is what I want to do with my future.” This led me to intern for both Rep. Estes (KS-04) and Rep. Steube (FL-17) before interning with Senator Collins, the only Republican Member of Congress in New England. Working for Senator Collins and assisting the constituents of Maine is a dream come true. I am looking forward to where my career path will take me in the future.
Which specific policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those areas?
As a Staff Assistant I am not responsible for my own portfolio, however, I am most interested in Foreign Affairs and Economic/Fiscal Policy. During my junior year at Loyola, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Leuven, Belgium, and travel across Europe. I learned how important it is to foster positive relationships with different countries in order to achieve U.S. goals abroad. Having completed my MBA, I have a deeper understanding of economic policy and what affects certain policies could have in both now and in the future. Many Americans are facing financial hardships with rising inflation, so the state of the country’s economy is a topic on everyone’s minds. To stay engaged in these areas, I am subscribed to weekly emails sent out by different organizations on the Hill, as well as looking at the Foreign Affairs and Joint Economic Committee websites.
Describe a challenging or rewarding project that significantly influenced your growth as a professional. How did you handle the challenge, and what did you learn from the experience?
One of the most rewarding projects I have worked on so far is being part of the preparation team for Senator Collins’ upcoming trip with CODEL Moran. CODELs allow lawmakers to travel abroad to meet with world leaders, diplomats, and advocates on any number of national security topics. I was tasked with preparing the materials needed for the trip including a fact book of each country, information for the Senator’s multitude of meetings, and provided research papers and current news for each country. The project took about three weeks, and I learned about the ever-changing dynamics of Congress and its decisions on foreign policy.
What advice can you give to individuals aspiring to work on Capitol Hill looking to stand out?
Work as hard as possible on the tasks you are assigned no matter how mundane they may seem. Staffers will notice your efforts and will ask you to assist them with their work as well. I believe it is critical to be a good listener, the people you are working with have an abundance of knowledge and information, so make sure you take in as much as you possibly can. Lastly, you should keep your options open, there are many different offices that are all unique in their own way. You may go through many different interviews with different offices, but it is important to not give up and keep applying — it is all a matter of timing.
What do you believe sets Capitol Hill apart as a unique work environment, and how do you navigate its challenges in your everyday work?
The individual office structures, physically being in the Capitol Hill Complex compared to a “normal” office building, the accessibility of going to see votes and hearings, and meeting experts from every field sets Capitol Hill apart. To sift through the chaos on the Hill, it is important to stay updated with current events, network with people from both parties, maintain an aspect of professionalism and decorum, and to take full advantage of every opportunity presented.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – Structure
Networking – Relationships
Writing Skills – Necessary
Working on the Hill – Unique
Leadership Connect – Communication
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