This week I spoke to Sophia Wilbourn, a recent UVA alum who was a former Press Intern in the U.S House of Representatives.

COLD OPEN

How Did You Get Your Start?

It was an interesting road to politics. I was not a poli-sci major or anything related, but I had a good friend already on the Hill.

I was finishing up a contract and she suggested passing around my resume. Much to my surprise, there were multiple people interested.

I didn’t expect there to be a place for me and for my skills, but I was absolutely wrong.

So much of the Hill is filled with policy people. Power to them, but my strengths lie in communication, and it was cool to see an opportunity for growth for people with different skills than you’d expect.

INDUSTRY INSIDER

What Does Networking Look Like On The Hill?

The hill is different. Unlike most industries, everyone is crowded in the same place, and there’s an emphasis on connecting. 

Each office acts as its own country. Management differs vastly, and they each have their own opinions on interns doing coffee chats.

I worked in an office with limits of 3 coffee chats per week, and knew of others expecting you to go on 2 a day.

When you are starting out, talk to anyone and everyone. Talk to people waiting in line for lunch at the cafeteria.

There’s not many places in America where you can meet people who deal with almost any topic under the sun.

I’ve met a world champion chess player, the former prime minister of Australia, and gave a Capital tour to several Generals from Kurdistan.

You never know what the day will bring on the Hill!