If you have just completed an undergraduate program or you are fresh graduate, and would like to begin your career in Capitol Hill, your first job position in this sector mostly will be as a staff assistant or possibly as a legislative correspondent.
The staff assistant role is the conventional entry-level position for those with have modest or no experience of Capitol Hill or the legislation. Though, it is not exciting and the pay is less, this career or job will provide an entrance to Capitol Hill.
The prime responsibilities of the staff assistant are inclined towards administrative work. Mostly a staff assistant works as an overvalued, college-educated receptionist. You are the first person a guest interacts with upon entering the office. As a staff assistant, you are responsible for welcoming guests, organizing tours of the Capitol, handling mails and attending the phone calls.
As a staff assistant, you may also assist the senior staff members in various areas and study the working of Capitol Hill. Once you are aware with the basics of your job position, you will get extra time to convert your education into work. Staff assistants frequently get the opportunity to research legislation and other issues with legislative assistants, handle some exceptional projects for the Chief of Staff and assist in proofreading speeches and arranging media lists.
Also, staff assistant position strengthens one of the leading axioms of work in Washington i.e. "proximity to power is the key". As a staff assistant, you will handle a lot of ordinary tasks. You will get less salary as this is an entry level position. You may also work for a Member of Congress. Therefore, newcomers seeking a career in Capitol Hill are eager to secure this entry level position.