Over the course of the last two weeks, I’ve begun thinking about my future and where I could work after college. Everything in my project has gone to plan: I’ve continued attending briefings and briefings, writing memos, and acting as our office’s secretary. However, I’ve yet to truly master the art of networking. Each time my supervisor takes me out on an errand, he gives me tips and tricks to starting conversations and connecting with other offices. I’ve begun picking up on these tricks and I’ve had a few informal AMA meetings and conversations with interns, fellows, and legislative assistants. These conversations have been incredibly helpful, illustrating what life on Capitol Hill looks like. As a teenager, imagining life after college is impossibly improbable- a mix of fantasies and realities in my head that I’m somehow meant to understand. My first meeting was with Samir, a Democracy Fellow working in our office. Samir told me his life story…which was incredibly encouraging. Born in a neighborhood permeated with poverty, Samir was able to graduate as the valedictorian from his high school, attend Yale Law, work at start-up companies across the world, and return to D.C to pursue “real matters that will impact the world.” When I pressed him on law school, something I’m thoroughly interested in, he gave me candid advice that will surely influence my decision in a few years. Most importantly, Samir and everyone else whom I’ve talked to highlighted one fact: Capitol Hill is a great job out of college, but it’s hard to imagine anyone working there for decades. Yes, there are certainly cases where an intern rises the ranks and becomes a Chief of Staff after 20+ years. However, it is RARE!!! Ultimately, I want to use Capitol Hill as a jumping-off point in my career. It would be a fantastic opportunity for me to return to after college, but I want to do so much more with my life! This internship has illuminated that for me and I couldn’t be more excited to have an idea as to what I want to do with my life. In addition, I’ve talked to a lot of people throughout the office and they’ve offered their business cards and personal phone numbers if I ever want to reach out. Since Congress allows for such upward mobility, I will be able to call them in 4 or 5 years when they are working for different offices and in different jobs.