http://www.mehlmanconsulting.com

Mehlman Consulting, Inc.

Lobbying Intern

June - July 2022 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The team of lobbyists were very knowledgable and welcoming. The firm is small and close-knit and you will have many chances to speak in groups or individually with lobbyists in passing or for set times if you plan ahead. All of them are very knowledgable in their unique fields but most are also strong generalists that help work with clients from many different industries so you can follow subjects/companies you are interested in. Also the political atmosphere is not super polarized since the firm is bipartisan and lobbyists from both sides usually work together with clients. A great experience overall and a place I would highly recommend.

What I wish was different

Advice

I highly recommend if possible doing this position in-person, as it improves the overall experience. Reach out and try to schedule times to talk to as many lobbyists as possible, as many of them previously worked in the executive (White House or agencies) or legislative (Congressional staff) branches. They can give you insights about both the work of a lobbyist but also their time on the Hill/in government. Read the client list (which is public, search on OpenSecrets/LegisStorm) and ask if you can sit in on meetings with clients you find interesting. Also, you will most likely be asked to do some admin/clerical tasks in addition to your main role, but efficient work should leave you plenty of time to do everything you want to do.
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Lobbyist Intern

June - July 2020 • Washington, DC

What I liked

The workplace culture there was very welcoming and everyone there was very helpful. There was also a wide array of work that I was doing so I was able to get experience doing a lot of different work.

What I wish was different

This was outside of anyone's control, but doing the internship virtually did make the experience different than it would have been. I did not get the full experience of working in an office which i wish i was able to get.

Advice

Be open to any task that is asked of you so that you can get a varied type of experience.
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