The Center for Politics held a symposium last night in Minor Hall on finding political jobs and internships as part of its National Symposium on Youth Civic Engagement.
Grant Reeher, author of "The Insider's Guide to Political Internships: What to Do Once You're in the Door," an associate professor of political science at Syracuse University, moderated the discussion.
The six panelists included campaign staffers, legislative assistants and a political media consultant.
Reeher discussed ten points on how to succeed in and learn from internships, one of which included considering the possibility of choosing an internship at a local politician's office.
"The experience will be more significant," Reeher said.
Reeher also said that interns should expect to do mundane work and be able to do it well. He also stressed the importance of learning phone decorum and being able to ask questions.
The most important tip Reeher shared was advising interns to carry around a small notebook and write down what people say and how things work.
Panelist Jameel Aalim Johnson, chief of staff for Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., also had helpful tips for potential interns.
"In politics things are sensitive," Johnson said. "You need to know when to talk and when to be quiet."
Panel member Katie Anderson, former legislative assistant for Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and a University graduate, gave advice about internship interviews.
"Be ready to answer the question 'Why do I want to be here?'" she said.
Anderson also advised students to "look at Congress members' five most recent press releases and find one that interests you so that you can recall it in an interview."
Panelist John Lapp, a University graduate and political media consultant for the media firm Murphy, Putman, Shorr, and Partners, told prospective interns to be flexible, make connections and be willing to go wherever and do whatever.
He also mentioned the importance of researching politicians in "The Almanac of American Politics" before going for an interview.
All the panelists agreed that students interested in a job in politics need to dress appropriately, be devoted and willing to work hard and have good writing and communication skills.
Panelist Tucker McNeil, the speechwriter for Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, said there are various ways for students to get a start in politics, but certain skills are necessary to succeed.
"Hard work is how you keep a job," McNeil said. "It's what lets you go from one job to the next job."
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