Highlights from “Hill Etiquette for Interns”
BY TAYLOR J. SWIFT
On June 7, POPVOX Foundation, in collaboration with the Capitol Hill Intern Association, hosted a virtual event about how to effectively write quality deliverables and navigate the unique professional landscape of Capitol Hill.
POPVOX Foundation Director of Government Capacity Taylor J. Swift was joined in the conversation by:
Christine Ho, Deputy Communications Director for Rep. Pete Aguilar
Jake Silverman, Legislative Assistant for Rep. Nikema Williams
Gabriella Ghandour, Legislative Aide for Rep. John James
Writing and Email Best Practices
Moderator Taylor J. Swift began the event by discussing best practices for writing emails and memos to colleagues or supervisors. Swift emphasized maintaining a professional tone appropriate for the audience, whether addressing an intern or the chief of staff. A good memo should have impeccable grammar, a well-organized structure, and a clear, concise style, aiming to inform the reader efficiently and make complex issues understandable in a single read-through. Additionally, Swift highlighted the importance of including a header with relevant details and ensuring correct grammar usage in all communications.
Networking is More Than Just Meeting People
Panelists Christine Ho, Jake Silverman, and Gabriella Ghandour shared their experiences with networking as interns in Congress. They underscored that while networking and relationship-building are crucial on the Hill, maintaining a strong work ethic and professionalism is even more important—Capitol Hill is a small community, and having strong relationships and a good reputation is vital. Gabriella highlighted the importance of following up with connections, particularly for mentorship opportunities. Jake advised branching out within your network by attending on-campus and after-work events, especially those hosted by your Member’s state or delegation. Christine recommended joining staff associations to find people with similar professional interests or hobbies.
Open Conversation and Audience Q&A
During the Q&A session, attendees inquired about making a positive impression during an internship. Jake emphasized the importance of consistently producing high-quality work, while Gabriella encouraged interns to always show a willingness to contribute to the office’s daily workflow, no matter how small the task. Christine discussed the necessity of balancing work life with other responsibilities, such as school or a side job, to prevent burnout in both the short and long term.
