As weeks have gone by, I have started to become more accustomed to reaching out to my supervisors not only for work-related questions, but questions regarding life, internship/career, and even cooking advice! It took some time for me to stop seeing my supervisor as this all-mighty individual and more as a friendly advisor who is more than happy to share tips and resources during and after my internship.
This past week, I recently asked my supervisor about what it is like to work on the Hill as an intern as I have started thinking about working in D.C. next summer. While his experience was online due to COVID-19, he offered to set up a time for me to speak with Legislative Aide Lauren Jacobs who currently works in Representative Judy Chu’s D.C. office and previously in the Pasadena District Office (which is where I am currently at).
It was so helpful and insightful speaking with her not only because she has experience in both offices, but she also shares my same background of growing up in the Pasadena area and moving to the East Coast for work/school. I was able to talk to her about a range of topics, including what responsibilities I should expect as a D.C. intern, the work-related differences between the D.C. and district office, and how she has personally managed work-life balance while working and living in the nation’s political hub. I had begun formulating these questions for a while and honestly was so glad to have someone who could answer my concerns. This made me realize the power of networking and more importantly, that my supervisor could give me the resources I need to formulate my own career trajectory.
I later began to ask my supervisor, when appropriate, about other advice, such as what it is like to work on a campaign versus a non-profit, a think tank, or the public sector. I would even ask what would be the best way to reach out to my college professors for everything from class advice to on-campus research opportunities. These questions that have sat in my head for the longest time were finally answered and I realized I could even branch out for different perspectives/advice. During CAUSE’s networking events, I began to ask people questions about their experience and what they enjoy most. For those who pursued careers I’ve taken interest in, I’d ask what it's like and how they found their path.
It feels liberating to have access to people who are full of knowledge and experience that can guide me better than I could by myself. From CAUSE’s brown bag events to simply having a conversation with my supervisor, it has made me realize how willing people are to help others and how I should take the opportunities to make long-lasting connections.