Finding a summer job, making money, going back to school to just spend it all again. A reality many college students face. Most jobs you hear about from college students are retail or restaurants.  Ever think you could find a job that gives you another type of experience as well as a little extra cash? They are out there to be found; it often comes down to who you know. Some may say I sold my soul to the government this summer, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out.  I was given the opportunity to intern for the California State Senate Rules Committee, which in turn gave me the chance to work as an office assistant for Senator Kevin de LeĂłn.
Anyone know what the end of the legislative session means? Well it can mean multiple different things depending on who you are. If you are just a state citizen it means the government is finishing up with their business for the year, everyone trying to push the rest of  the legislative body to agree with them. At least that’s what it looks like from the outside. When you are on the inside it is a completely different ball game. As an employee it is the craziest time of the year when you arrive at work at 9 am and don’t leave until midnight day after day. Deals are being cut, phones are ringing off the hook, and the office door is never not in motion. There is constant yelling throughout the office, with cheers of excitement, and groans of disbelief followed by a fast paced, tension filled task to attempt to fix whatever the problem was. As an intern in this type of work you are at the liberty of anyone else in the office. The most common words to come out of my mouth were “Of course”, “No problem”, “So and so is here to see you”, and “If you need anything, let me know”.
As much as this type of job could seem miserable, it was one of the best experiences of my work career. Many people would ask me, “Why are you choosing to work late when you don’t have to?” and I would respond with “It’s part of the experience”, which it truly is. I definitely have to say I worked hard and long hours at this job doing whatever it was I could do the help.
I sacrificed time the last week I was home just to understand what it was like in a Senator’s office at the end of the legislative session. The bonds I formed with the people I worked with and the connections I gained are things I will take to heart when I am looking for a job in the future. The goal was never to build a relationship with the member himself. For the duration of the time I worked for him I saw him maybe ten times and spoke to him a total of about three times. The real rockstars of these offices are the staff who help to keep the representative up to speed and support his issue areas in whatever way possible. It was a true honor to be a part of the force behind what the member wants to happen.
The fast paced days and the constant task after task, with phone calls one after another helped me see government in a whole different way. Being on the other side of the phone with constituents yelling at me about their issues, frustrated that issues weren’t being resolved, and interacting with all of the people coming in and out of the office boosted my confidence in myself in dealing with people I didn’t know. I could not have asked for better colleagues, a better boss, or a better summer. I am proud to say I sold my soul to the government this summer and I absolutely loved it. Â
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