Taking the Plunge

Tuesday I began work at KSCW, Inc., the governmental relations firm that I’ll be spending the next few months with. I now sit on K Street, the boogeyman of the national media and politicians alike as they rail against “special interests.”

I’ve only been at KSCW for two days, but I’m already starting to be skeptical of the conventional image presented of lobbying. Almost every group you can think of needs a governmental relations firm. Whether you’re a credit union president, a farmer, a doctor, a business owner or an artist…you still have needs and dreams that need to be articulated on Capitol Hill. Lobbyists enable that.

A bit of advice for prospective Washington Center applicants, students or interns: prepare yourself and know what you’re getting into. Don’t worry; I’m not saying that because I feel overwhelmed. That will come later, I am sure and these blog posts will take on a hysterical note. No, I’m saying that because of some feedback I heard from other interns yesterday. No names mentioned.

I was talking to several other interns at the Washington Center after work hours yesterday. We met in the hallway and they were completely exhausted. They were used to a normal weekday involving a few classes, with long breaks in between for lunch, snacks, dinner, naps and social time.

Most internships here are great simulations of real work environments. That means a 9-5ish day. You’ll have your night class once a week after that, which can add up to a long day. So just remember that and plan accordingly.

I will confess it is thrilling to be part of the working environment of DC and not be here as just a tourist, or a kid on a conference for a week. Sure, I’m still only an intern but I have keys that actually open real doors around here. AND I have one of those fancy ID holders on the retracting string that you attach to your belt. AND I wear a suit almost every day. AND I’m working on my Metro skillz so that I can keep my balance without holding onto a bar. So…watch out…you few tourists who might be around. I am no longer one of you.

One of the happy transitions from rural to urban life for me is the convenience of living in an urbanized environment. Instead of driving an hour to get food from somewhere, I literally can walk out of the building, go a block in any direction and have a few choices for lunch or dinner. I do have a mental number related to weekly food budget in my head, and I try and keep all on-the-go food purchases under that.

An aspect of starting an internship or choosing an internship that many students might overlook is the environment that can be created depending on your proximity to other interns. For instance, there are five regular, TWC full-timers at KSCW, including me. In addition, there is another part-time intern and a fellow who works closely with the interns.

For some, this arrangement might seem to lessen your chances for one-on-one time with your boss, or lessen your chances of being the star of the show. But I’ve found having other interns enhances the situation. It allows for collaboration on some levels and greater flexibility in working/socializing and general office interactions. Whether you like that idea or not, it’s a good thing to look for when talking to agencies and making that big choice.

I’ve included some pictures from work and orientation, so you can get some visuals. One shows my workspace, which is spacious and comfortable by intern standards. Another shows two of my roommates practicing their networking skills at the TWC orientation.

Travel Advisory Edition

After arriving in more or less one piece at my quarters in Arlington, I thought it might be helpful to provide a few notes on traveling to future students.
  
First and foremost: if at all possible, think about having your parents drop you off. This will allow you to bring the stuff you need and have a fairly hassle-free journey. While TWC provides furniture, closet space and a fully stocked (utensil/dish/glass-wise) kitchen, there are a few necessities missing.
       
The most noticeable is Internet. There is one line available. So either bring a wireless router or a hub to break the line into the four necessary so everyone can get online. And check Facebook, because WHO KNOWS what might have happened since they last logged on.
       
If you can’t draft your parents to drive you down, you’ll probably have to fly. This is the route I followed. It seems the best approach is this: pack what you absolutely need for 2-3 days. That is your luggage. Everything else? Have mom and dad ship it after you arrive and TWC issues you a mailing address.
       
Another area that TWC isn’t responsible for is your bedding. That means packing or buying sheets, pillow and blanket. I can testify the mattresses here are in far better shape than the typical dorm mattress, but they’re completely bare when you arrive, so think ahead about that one.
       
To get around the city, you’ll need a Metro card. This is essentially a debit card for the Metro which you can buy at CVS, register online and easily swipe as you pass through the gates every day. Check with your intern agency, some compensate for travel costs.
       
The Metro is really fantastic. I’ve used subways in Boston, New York and DC and I have to rate the Metro as the best. It’s not built with 2-foot clearance ceilings in the stations, it smells almost clean and it’s ridiculously easy to use. That being said: pay attention so you don’t get in a fight you can’t win with a closing door or an escalator. I’ve engaged in both those activities in the past two days and my arm still hurts from getting stuck in a closing door.
  
I realize that a few readers may also be prospective students looking to apply to the Washington Center. My advice to them is this: good idea. If you know roughly what you want for a professional career option, DC is the place to pursue it. The Washington Center has the contacts, the people, the great housing and even the academic component so you can receive credit at school.
       
Other than that, there isn’t much to report. This is the first week here and I’m still getting settled in. I’ve already scoped out the area around this building. It includes: a dry cleaner, a UPS store, a pharmacy, several restaurants, a supermarket and a print/copy center all within a five minute walk.
  
The building itself is fantastic. The housing is the best take on student housing I’ve ever seen. It’s comfortable, classy and even roomy for four people. It is apartment-style living, which is a nice change for people like me who’ve only had the traditional dormitory experience.

       
I’m excited to start work next week. I suppose I’m unlike some people in that I’m happiest when I’m doing something productive. I need to get my hands dirty. Whether you’re like me, or if you prefer going out more than work, the District has a great deal of possibilities for you.
  
One thing I’ve already noticed about DC is that the “Washington” talked about in other parts of the country, or on the news, can really be overused and over generalized. I’ve read two articles about political issues in the last day. Both mention “the mood in Washington,” but nothing can really capture the mood of the city. It’s a place of striking contrasts: Republicans and Democrats, business people, tourists and locals, politicians and protestors, homeless people sleeping near grand national monuments. They all have different priorities, different opinions. Washington shouldn’t be synonymous with politics alone.
  
I’ve always been fascinated by the contrast in this city. While you can’t capture a city's “mood” in a line of print, you can get a feel for what the blending of people, sights, sounds and smells contributes to our understanding of a city. A personal goal of mine is to really look around the next few months and try to better understand this city as a living organism, with many different faces.
       
And of course, I will report what I find right here, on Capitol Transmissions.