I first remember learning about the three branches of government in fourth grade and deciding that I wanted to work in one of those branches – the legislature. What I didn’t understand at that age was just how many pieces come together to create a functioning government. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since joining the workforce six years ago, it’s that even within the political sphere itself, everyone has their niche and pinpointing that niche is the key to greater success and career fulfillment.
It’s nothing new that we as humans have varied interests, skills, and personality traits that align each of us to the careers we’re best suited for. For example, my husband is an accountant for a firm based in Manhattan. He works completely from home and stares at spreadsheets and numbers all day – my nightmare. Yet to him, the idea of working with people all day, discussing policy with legislators, and being out past 5 pm at fundraisers and other events is utter misery. Similarly, I wouldn’t want to perform brain surgery, manage a restaurant, weld wind turbine blades, sell insurance, or defend a client in a court of law. It’s a lucky thing that people are so different, or society would crumble
What fascinates me is that even within the microcosm of Michigan’s government, this principle is still prevalent. In 2019, I kick-started my career with an internship right here at MLC. From there, I worked on a state legislative campaign until graduating from college in December of 2020. I entered the workforce in early 2021 as a legislative director for a member of the Michigan House until returning to MLC in 2023 to do what I’ve always dreamed of – lobbying.
For a while, I truly wondered whether this career was for me. While working in the legislature, I found I was good at my job, getting regular, generous raises, and I had a lot of fun getting to enjoy interesting opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. But at the end of the day, I was often left feeling unfulfilled. My work didn’t excite me, my motivation levels were at an all-time low, and my energy was almost nonexistent. As someone who had always had her sights set on a career in government and politics, I was genuinely having an identity crisis. Who was I if I wasn’t following this dream?
To say that I jumped at the chance to return to MLC would be an understatement. An opportunity to enter the lobby corps could be exactly the jumpstart I needed to get my groove back. I had nothing but fond memories of my internship and knew if I was going to give politics one more shot, that’s where it would be. After just one day, I was hooked. I was more energized than I’d been in years and couldn’t wait to hit the ground running. I remember coming home after my first day and raving to my husband about how EXCITED I was to go back to the office the next morning – unheard of!
In the two years since, I’ve had time to reflect on the reason. It’s not that working as a legislative staffer was a bad job; it’s that I wasn’t meant for that job. The more I’ve dwelled on that idea, the more I’ve realized just how many sub-niches exist not only within government, but within the legislative branch, and even within the lobby corps itself. If you don’t enjoy working constituent services in a legislative office, you may love the role of the legislative director instead. If the House isn’t your vibe, you may thrive in the Senate. If being with a specific legislator isn’t right for you, but you like the legislature, working with a bigger team on caucus policy staff or in member services might be a better fit. Maybe the non-partisan world is more your speed? The Legislative Services Bureau or one of the departments may be your home. Seeking more of a fast-paced thrill? Managing political campaigns might be just your speed. Craving the private sector? Lobbying is calling your name! If the multi-client space isn’t your forte, you may be better suited as an association lobbyist or even as an in-house governmental affairs liaison for an individual company or non-profit. There are endless twists and turns to be taken on the journey to finding one’s perfect fit.
In a few more months, I’ll have been in the lobby corps as long as I was in the House, a concept that’s hard to wrap my head around as someone who still feels like she’s in the honeymoon period. While the slow, repetitive pace of the legislature exhausted me, the fast and ever-changing multi-client world excites me. While the small member-office team left me feeling isolated and lonely, the sixteen different personalities and strengths of the team I work with now energize me to come to the office. Even beyond team MLC, I get the joy of working with our clients, too. In the legislature, imposter syndrome had me in its clutches, as I felt pressured to be an expert in just about everything. Now, I feel like I get to specialize in the policy spaces in which my clients operate, which is a much more comfortable position to be in. In addition to all this, I feel that my skills can shine more in lobbying, as I spend less time behind a desk and more time doing what I do best – interacting with people.
I never expected how varied my experiences could be, even within the same branch of government. I’ve learned that the business of government and politics is full of intricacies beyond what first meets the eye, and everyone has a niche. I always used to think people who loved their jobs were just lying, but I’m thankful to have learned the truth. When you finally find what you’re meant to do, going to work every day isn’t so challenging at all.
