One Thing New D.C. Staffers Must Understand about Their Jobs

The new Trump administration, and unified Republican control of the House and Senate, will soon open up thousands of policy jobs for conservatives in Washington. If you want to get your start in policy-making, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good staffer. For every “principal” — the elected or appointed official with his or her name on the door — there are legions of staffers doing the work to make good decisions happen and to make them stick.

In Washington, almost everyone “staffs” an elected or appointed official — in the argot of the capital, their “principal.” White House chief of staff — staffer to the president. Staff assistant to a freshman House member — a staffer, too. If you’re a good staffer, you’ll find yourself with a critical role in important decisions.

LS

About the Author

Luke Strange

Luke Strange is vice president of government relations at the American Enterprise Institute.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Washington D.C.

Trump Administration

The new Trump administration, and unified Republican control of the House and Senate, will soon open up thousands of policy jobs for conservatives in Washington. If you want to get your start in policy-making, it’s crucial to understand what makes a good staffer. For every “principal” — the elected or appointed official with his or her name on the door — there are legions of staffers doing the work to make good decisions happen and to make them stick.

In Washington, almost everyone “staffs” an elected or appointed official — in the argot of the capital, their “principal.” White House chief of staff — staffer to the president. Staff assistant to a freshman House member — a staffer, too. If you’re a good staffer, you’ll find yourself with a critical role in important decisions.