The Communications Track on Capitol Hill
Breaking into a communications position on the Hill -- a press secretary or communications director position -- can be more difficult than finding a legislative position if only because there are fewer positions overall and far less entry-level jobs in which to build experience. Often times, those with aspirations of becoming a communications staffer must develop their skills off the Hill.
One of the most common routes into the communications track is for a legislative assistant (or even a legislative correspondent) to be promoted to the position from within an office. Usually this person will have an expressed interest in communications and often will have some previous experience (such as having worked for his or her college newspaper) or else have solid verbal and written communications skills.
There are several opportunities to gain entry-level experience on the Hill. Senate offices often hire a press assistant to help the communications director and/or press secretary. These positions provide a good training ground to move up on the Senate side or to find a press secretary opening on the House side. Additionally, many Committees and Leadership offices hire communications assistants. In general, these positions are filled from the outside or by promoting a staff assistant or an intern with an interest in media relations.
Off the Hill, those interested in media relations should consider entry-level media relations positions public relations firms or trade associations. Entry-level positions in these areas provide the opportunity to learn the art of media relations, delve into public policy areas, and build a network of media and industry contacts. Since many Capitol Hill offices only make experienced hires for the Communications Director/Press Secretary positions, a few years of experience can be a very valuable tool to gain entry to a Hill position.
A third possibility is to enter directly from the media. This route has been used effectively by some, while others have found it problematic (some former reporters make fantastic press secretaries; others never quite adapt to the work on the other side of the notepad).
Regardless of how one chooses to break in, the life of a communications professional on Capitol Hill is never dull. Depending on the size of the Congressional District or State a Member represents, the Press Secretary may deal with 20 to more than 200 media outlets ranging from small weekly papers to major daily newspapers to television affiliates.
|
This article is excerpted from the Vault Guide to Capitol Hill Careers.
 Read more excerpts or purchase the guide
Discuss government careers at the Government Career Message Board
Discuss non-profit careers at the Non-profit Career Message Board
|
