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From Financial Planning to Public Service: A Journey to the Hill

Nicolas Landriel | Congressional Spotlight Interview | Leadership Connect

This week, we spoke to Nicolas Landriel, Staff Assistant for the Office of Representative Jim Jordan. 

Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Staff Assistant?  

My career path started in the Financial Services industry, where I was a financial planner and insurance salesman. While I gained valuable professional experience there, I realized that my true passion lies in politics and public service. Motivated by that passion, I made the difficult decision to change careers and pursue a role in the federal government.  

With limited resources but strong determination, I spent over a month living all around D.C. with the support of my girlfriend, using my savings to network with Capitol Hill staffers and learn about what inspired them to serve. I applied to more than 100 positions and took every opportunity to gain insights into life on the Hill.  

This eventually led to an internship with Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01). The experience I had in Rep. Wittman’s office was transformative. The mentorship and lessons I gained there prepared me well for my current role. Today, I serve as a Staff Assistant for Congressman Jim Jordan (OH-04). It’s an honor to work for Congressman Jordan and to serve the constituents of Ohio’s 4th District. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far and excited to continue learning and contributing in this role.  

Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about within the committee’s scope, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?  

I’m particularly passionate about International Relations, Homeland Security/Immigration, and Financial Services. I like using platforms like X to catch unedited clips and firsthand updates, which help me see the full context. Additionally, I rely on tools like Ground News to compare perspectives from different sides of the political spectrum, ensuring I maintain a balanced and well-rounded understanding of current events and policy debates.  

Can you describe a challenging or particularly rewarding project you’ve worked on as a staffer that significantly impacted your professional growth? How did you navigate the challenges, and what did you learn from the experience?  

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on so far has been coordinating the recent Congressional Art Competition. The winner from our district traveled to Washington, D.C. with their family, none of whom had ever visited before, so I took it upon myself to ensure they had the best possible experience

They were from a rural part of Ohio, and it meant a great deal to me to show them the rich history and beauty of our nation’s capital. It was an opportunity not just to represent the office well, but to be a welcoming face of D.C. for constituents to see it for the first time. This experience reminded me not to take for granted the privilege of working in such a historic and impactful place. It deepened my sense of purpose and reinforced the importance of creating meaningful experiences for the people we serve.  

What advice would you offer to individuals aiming to work in Congress, and how can they stand out in such a competitive environment?  

The importance of networking goes without mention. As someone who was recently on the outside looking in, I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your name out there. Don’t hesitate to reach out to staffers for coffee chats — most are more than willing to share their experiences and offer guidance. Stay informed about events on the Hill and show up whenever you can. Those who stick around long enough are noticed! Also, be vocal about what you’re looking for. People are more likely to help if they know what you’re aiming for. Don’t shy away from any opportunity – open-mindedness and willingness to do the job go a very long way.  

In your view, what sets working on Capitol Hill as a unique experience, and how do you navigate the specific challenges that come with it in your daily work? 

Working on Capitol Hill is one of the rare environments where the phrase “you learn something new every day” rings true. No two days are the same — each brings new challenges, new lessons, and new opportunities to grow. That constant change is what makes the Hill such a dynamic and rewarding place to work.  

What sets it apart is the pace, the proximity to decision-making, and the sense that even the smallest task plays a role in the larger mission of serving the public. It’s an environment that demands flexibility, humility, and a willingness to take on any assignment—no matter how small, niche, or tedious it may seem. Navigating the challenges means staying open-minded, focused, and adaptable. I try to approach each task with a sense of purpose and the understanding that everything we do contributes to the greater function of the office and the constituents we serve.  

Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?  

Policy – Strategy  

Networking – Crucial  

Writing Skills – Necessary  

Working on the Hill – Fast  

Leadership Connect – Gateway 

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