By Fancy Comma, LLC Team

Fancy Comma has affiliate partnerships to support its content. We may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.

Are you curious about what it’s like to work on Capitol Hill? Whether you’re considering a career in politics or just interested in the inner workings of Congress, we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions about working in the legislative branch. Let’s dive into the answers! If you’d like more insight into working in DC, check out the book Sheeva co-edited called The Young Leader’s Guide: To Internships, Scholarships, and Fellowships in Washington, D.C., and Beyond.

1. How do you become a Congressional staffer?

To become a Congressional staffer, you typically need:

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, or a related field (science fields count, especially if you can link them in some way to public policy and governance, or have related experience!)
• Internship experience on Capitol Hill or in local government
• Strong networking skills and connections in politics
• Excellent communication and writing abilities

Many staffers start as interns and work their way up through various positions. Check out our guide to Congressional staff roles for science students and scientists.

2. What are the typical roles in a Congressional office?

Common positions in a Congressional office include:

• Chief of Staff
• Legislative Director
• Communications Director
• Legislative Assistant
• Press Secretary
• Staff Assistant (often also Intern Coordinator)

Each role has specific responsibilities that help the office conduct its day-to-day tasks. Learn more about them in our guide.

3. What’s the work environment like on Capitol Hill?

The work environment in Congress is:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Often involving long hours, especially when legislation is being debated
• Collaborative, with staffers working closely in teams
• Formal in dress code and professional conduct
• Exciting, with opportunities to interact with influential people

4. How do you handle angry constituents?

Dealing with upset constituents is a common part of the job. It is a rite of passage for interns to field calls from angry citizens. Here’s how to handle it:

• Remain calm and professional (even if you do not agree with the constituent’s political views)
• Listen actively to their concerns
• Show empathy and understanding
• Provide clear, factual information (to the extent that you can do so without compromising professionalism and being mindful of your office’s communications policies)
• Offer to follow up on their issue if necessary (usually, a more senior staffer will do this for you, but not always)
• If the person is harassing you, tell your supervisor, as offices keep track of callers who have a record for being abusive

5. What are the most challenging aspects of working in Congress?

Some of the toughest parts of the job include:

• Managing a heavy workload with tight deadlines
• Balancing many different constituent interests
• Staying informed on a wide range of policy issues
• Navigating complex political dynamics
• Maintaining work-life balance in a demanding environment

6. How do staffers stay informed on current events and policy issues?

Congressional staffers stay up-to-date by:

• Reading a variety of news sources and policy journals
• Attending briefings and committee hearings
• Networking with colleagues and policy experts
• Using specialized news aggregators and policy tracking tools (AI is increasingly becoming a part of this process)
• Participating in professional development and training sessions (members of Congress, we can help!)

7. What skills are most valuable for success in a Congressional office?

Key skills for success include:

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Adaptability and quick learning
• Time management and multitasking
• Interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of legislative processes and procedures (check out our blogs on Congress and science policy to learn more!)

8. Do Congressional staffers live in Washington, D.C.?

Many staffers do live in D.C., but:

• Some may commute from nearby areas in Maryland or Virginia
• District or state office staff typically live in the member’s home state
• Some junior staffers may have unconventional living arrangements due to high D.C. living costs

9. What are the career advancement opportunities?

Career paths in Congress can include:

• Moving up within a Congressional office to senior staff positions
• Transitioning to committee staff roles
• Working for party leadership offices
• Shifting to executive branch agencies or the private sector
• Running for elected office

10. How do staffers maintain work-life balance?

Maintaining work-life balance can be challenging, but strategies include:

• Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care
• Building a support network with colleagues
• Practicing effective time management techniques

Working in Congress can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those passionate about public service and policy-making. While public service comes with its challenges, many find the opportunity to contribute to the legislative process and serve constituents deeply fulfilling.

Contact us if you have any other questions about working in Congress!

8. What are some resources for scientists interested in Congressional careers?

• We have resources and guidance for scientists interested in science policy and communication. Check out our FREE, downloadable guides, A Scientist’s Guide to Staff Roles in the US Congress and A Scientist’s Guide to Political Campaign Roles. Check out all of our blogs about science policy or Congress!
• Check out our frequently-asked questions blog post about working in Congress as a scientist.
• Check the House and Senate employment websites for job postings.

About Fancy Comma, LLC

We are a science communications, marketing, and policy consulting firm. We also train people to be more seasoned science communicators and policy experts. Visit us on the web at www.fancycomma.com.