Government Work

CollegePlus! student Joseph Moss shares his experience as a senatorial staffer

While CollegePlus! students work in various sectors of society and industry, Joseph Moss has been an employee of the federal government for just over a year. An integral staff member of Senator George Allen, a conservative Republican from Virginia, Joseph currently writes press releases from a senatorial office in Richmond.

The Unpaid Internship

Although he has been a paid staff member since August of 2005, Joseph first volunteered as an intern, performing menial office duties and answering the telephone. “Handling the phone takes a little more training,” Joseph noted, “because you don’t want to misrepresent your boss—when reporters call they will use whatever is said by whoever is on the line.”
Joseph also mentioned that answering the phones was a good experience because it helped him realize how many different issues a senator deals with at once. “You are the face and the voice of the senator to whomever comes into the office or calls on the phone,” he said.

What does Joseph do now?

After interning at the office for several months, Joseph was asked to join Senator Allen’s staff. He now writes press releases notifying the public of grant money appropriated to Viriginia’s residents. “The grants come in small or large amounts,” Joseph said, “from hundreds of thousands to multi-million dollar [endowments].” To get a taste of Joseph’s writing ability, the press releases he has written can be viewed here.
The main reason for these announcements is to show how the Senator is acting on behalf of Virginia’s voters. According to Joseph, “When I put out a press release, it emphasizes that Senator Allen was involved in getting the funding—plus it lets people know what they are getting [monetarily].”

A Career in Politics?

Although he is working in public policy now, Joseph doesn’t necessarily see himself staying with the government long term. “A lot staffers still don’t have families,” he noted, “because their work is their life.” Joseph made it clear that because of his faith in Christ, he wants to devote a lot of time to the family the Lord may give him in the future. Another drawback to a career in government is the criticism that is often hurled at lawmakers. “There is a level of politics where, even when you have the best intentions, you’re going to be maligned,” he said.

The Benefits of CollegePlus!

As a CollegePlus! student, Joseph recognizes the advantages to having an accredited bachelor’s degree. Although a degree is not a guarantee for future employment, “when you have the ‘degree box’ checked [on a job application], it helps you get your foot in the door,” he said. “Getting a job in the political arena is about who you know—not so much about the grades you got.”
Over the past thirteen months he has been on staff, Joseph has had opportunity to get to know the senator personally when he has visited the Richmond office. “Senator Allen has an amazing memory and is exceptionally personable,” he said. “Some people say he has a photographic memory, that he remembers them and their families even if they only met once five, ten, or twelve years ago.” Joseph has also enjoyed working directly with the senator during short projects he has completed in the nation’s capital.

What's it like to know a senator?

Over the past thirteen months he has been on staff, Joseph has had opportunity to get to know the senator personally when he has visited the Richmond office. “Senator Allen has an amazing memory and is exceptionally personable,” he said. “Some people say he has a photographic memory, that he remembers them and their families even if they only met once five, ten, or twelve years ago.” Joseph has also enjoyed working directly with the senator during short projects he has completed in the nation’s capital.

 

 

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the interviewee and not necessarily those of Global Learning Strategies.