
A Day in the Life: Lobbyist

8:30 a.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Arrive early to read the papers and look over the schedule for today
9:00 a.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Meet with colleagues to run through the lobbying schedule for the week. This is a good time to leverage their contacts on the Hill on behalf of your clients.
10:00 a.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Take a cab up to Capitol Hill to meet with staff members on behalf of several clients. A good portion of the day is typically spent outside the office, especially for lobbyists with a firm.
10:30 a.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Meet with a several legislative assistants to Members serving on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on behalf of a client looking to encourage Members of Congress to support a particular piece of legislation.
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12:00 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Take a senior Senate staff member to lunch. Meals are a huge part of the job since they are a great opportunity to build and maintain relationships with key Hill contacts.
1:00 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Back to the Hill to meet with more staff members.
3:00 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Return to the office. Must spend some time scheduling appointments for the rest of the week on behalf of clients
4:00 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Participate in a conference call with a client that wants to ensure its project is funded in the upcoming appropriations process.
5:00 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Start putting together a pitch for a new business presentation at the end of the week.
6:30 p.m. ?? ?? ?? ?? Meet a former Hill colleague for dinner -- yet another night at one of DC's swank downtown steak houses to talk a little business and stay in touch.

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This article is excerpted from the Vault Guide to Capitol Hill Careers.
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