Navigating Capitol Hill: Style, Drive and Coffee
By: Finley Richardson
Capitol Hill is known for its brutal pace, yet it remains the dream destination for ambitious college students everywhere. Life on Capitol Hill is complex, there are many layers to each staffer, office and life as a whole. In D.C., sometimes its sink or swim. When it comes to surviving, there are three areas to master: style, drive and coffee.
Finding your Style:
It is common knowledge that the world of politics is all about image. The same is true for working in any corporate position, particularly one on Capitol Hill. Each morning when staffers pour into the various corners of Congress, they are dressed to the nines. Women wear their commuter shoes and slip into heels as they walk into work. Men don a tie, gearing up for the day. The work done on Capitol Hill requires a business professional wardrobe, and finding your individual style within the norm can be a new and rewarding experience.
When it comes to corporate fashion, there are many unspoken rules: not too loud, not too tacky, not too low cut, not too high of a slit and so on. There is an understanding that what professionals wear is a representation of the critical work they do. This is the federal government after all. Typically, each office sets a series of individual standards for its staffers, and the congressional floor itself has rules that everyone must follow. Even amongst the more frigid aspects of congressional dress, there is still room for self-expression and fun!
One can try to express their personal style through accessorizing. They might wear a thin gold band watch every day, or carry a Rothy’s purse. It might sound small, but even the more intimate parts of an outfit can speak volumes about who you are. Try to communicate professionalism, energy, confidence and attention through an outfit. Cultivating a wardrobe and style leaves a direct impression on the people. In a place where time moves so fast and image matters so much it is essential to find a style that best captures and communicates not only who one is, but who one wants to be.
It takes drive:
Working in any corporate environment can be competitive. D.C. is no exception. The nature of D.C. necessitates competition in order to survive. In the first moments of working in Congress, its easy to notice the instinct to act in others. Staffers jump at the opportunity to serve when asked. Interns hurry from hearing to hearing in hopes of getting a seat in the room where it happens. Everyone here is hungry for something: achievement, knowledge, salary increase or recognition. You just have to be hungrier. Everything you do has to be bigger, has to be better than the rest. In order to stay in the competition, you have to have drive.
Wake up every morning as early as possible. It might be kind of cheesy but the saying is true: the early bird does get the worm. While getting ready, listen to various empowering music, podcasts, or speeches to prepare to tackle the challenges of the day. Get to work before anyone else. Check emails, and the news and schedule any meetings for the day.
During work hours, follow two main rules: work as hard as possible and radiate positive energy. People appreciate a hard worker and an optimistic employee. This next tip is a workplace cliché, but be the first to arrive, and the last to leave. Making sure to finish out the day strong. Staying a little late can often provide a unique opportunity to grow and learn.
Find motivation, because one thing that everyone in Washington D.C. has is drive.
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee:
The ultimate key to not only surviving but thriving in Washington D.C. is coffee. No, not trying the newest Starbucks craze or sipping on a sweet treat from Dunkin, but actually networking.
Working on Capitol Hill provides the luxury of having thousands of individuals with a wealth of experience and knowledge working just right next door. I have found that the hill is a beehive of sorts. There are thousands of workers flitting around in different sectors performing different jobs, yet all connected, in the same way that bees manage to work harmoniously with one another.
To find a spot in the hive and to achieve the success desired, it is crucial to foster connections with fellow workers. The best way to do this is by grabbing a coffee. Each week, set up coffee dates with as many people as possible. Anyone who has time to meet: old friends, new friends, friends of friends, bosses, security guards or congressmen. Each new person brings a new opportunity to learn. With a coffee in hand, connect even if just for a moment with that person, and learn from the wisdom and experience they share.
So when someone says that coffee is key to survival in Washington D.C., they might really be emphasizing the importance of making personal connections. Coffee just happens to be the thing that helps us pause long enough to connect with the people around us.
Living and working in Washington D.C. this summer has been one of the greatest adventures. Each day brings a new lesson, challenge and problem to solve. From cultivating personal style, developing an unwavering drive or connecting with others over a cup of coffee, every aspect of life here has been transforming.
Like all things in life, it can be occasionally difficult to navigate, but the thrill of tackling a new challenge can’t be beaten. Remember that Capitol Hill is not just a workplace, it’s a unique environment with an enriching experience waiting around each corner. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Be vulnerable and brave to thrive in each new venture.
Here’s to navigating life on Capitol Hill.
