Hill profiles

Bobby Clark, policy coordinator, Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Clark completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, and soon after, he made the move to D.C. Clark, who in high school was interested in student government and interned in the District as an undergrad, always wanted to pursue higher education.

“I always thought I wanted a Ph.D.,” Clark said. “I have my master’s in public policy and right now, I think I’m done.”

Clark, who received his master’s from Georgetown, said he loved being in D.C., in “the thick of things,” as an intern. “D.C. is the best place to be for continuing your education,” he said. “Many people have been here and are immersed in its culture, and it’s great to network with professors. It really adds value to your education.”

Working for Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) — first as an intern in his district office, then on his campaign and finally in D.C. — Clark made his name known.

“I noticed once people get involved, they tend to stick around for a long time,” he said, speaking from experience.

Clark feels that employers are looking more and more at advanced degrees, because it makes job applicants “stand out more.”

“I would say take time between your undergraduate and graduate degrees to figure out exactly what it is you want to do — work in the field to get experience,” he said. “I think that an undergraduate education teaches one more of how to think, whereas a graduate education teaches more practical ideas.”

As far as whether or not an advanced degree is necessary to survive on the Hill, Clark said he feels there are two schools of thought. “I feel that one is the added value of a graduate degree; just in case you choose to leave the Hill later on, it makes your skills more marketable,” he said. “Others say you learn all you need to learn on the Hill and an advanced degree isn’t necessary.”

P.J. Waldrop, legislative aide to Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), assisting with agriculture, energy and water issues

Waldrop spends his weekends at the University of Southern Mississippi’s executive format program.

Waldrop is seeking a graduate degree in economic development after earning an undergraduate degree in finance at Delta State University in Mississippi.

Waldrop’s program typically takes two years, and he plans to finish his in a year and a half. “The beauty of my program is that you can set it up in many different ways. I chose to spend long weekends taking classes there, and the senator was nice enough to allow me to have such a schedule,” he said.

Waldrop chose economic development because it was something he developed an interest in and was passionate about. He also said that Mississippi is very involved with economic development.

“My best friend growing up had recently completed a program similar to mine, so after speaking with him, it was just amazing how everything worked out,” he said.

One aspect of attending school and working at the same time is the real-world experience Waldrop brings to the economic development world. “The ideas and policy I bring to the table really allows for great progress,” he said.

Waldrop advised those looking to continue their educations to look into different degrees and to research the job constraints and to keep in mind the time variable.

“Continuing your education in D.C.? I’d have to say there’s no other thing quite like it,” Waldrop said. “It’s a great place and honestly, most of my friends right now are in school or entertaining the idea of going back.”

Margie Almanza, congressional liaison, Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.)

Almanza joined Rep. Weller’s team five years ago as an intern while attending the University of St. Francis, a small school in Joliet, Ill.

Almanza originally began thinking of attending graduate school during a happy hour while she was in D.C. interning. George Washington University was the first place she applied and liked. Last summer she finished a master’s degree in public management at the university.

Almanza was particularly impressed with GW’s career services department. “Also, the university just restarted the alumni association, and that’s been incredibly helpful,” she said. “They now have an alumni contact at large. I recently attended a Cubs game with our regional chapter.”

GW also sends a listserv to its graduate school alums with job and internship postings, according to Almanza.

Almanza feels that getting a master’s may not necessarily matter on the Hill, but off, it could “make a big difference.”

“I’ll be paying off my loans for a while, of course, but getting an advanced degree was definitely worth it,” she said. Although Almanza works out of Weller’s district office in Joliet, she “really fell in love with D.C.” and maybe after the election in November will move back.

“I recommend coming to D.C. if you get the chance,” she said. “The friendships you make and experiences you gain are phenomenal.”

Alan Mlynek, legislative correspondent / assistant, Rep. Sandy Levin (D-Mich.)

Mlynek, 23, joined Levin’s team in August 2007. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a political science major and a French minor, Mlynek debated about going back to school for either law or public policy.

“In January I looked into Georgetown’s public policy programs and saw there were a lot of opportunities there,” said Mlynek, who is set to begin his master’s program in public policy at Georgetown soon.

Mlynek said Georgetown is not a full college, but an institute, with tracks instead of majors. Mlynek’s major is education, family and social policy.

“I think that continuing one’s education really depends on the person, career and type of degree you’d like to get,” Mlynek said. “Just make sure it’s the type of program you ultimately want to do, because an advanced degree is incredibly expensive.”

Right now, Mlynek would like to stay in D.C., but he isn’t opposed to going home to Michigan once he obtains a master’s.

“I’ve always had a passion for politics. I remember as a kid in the early ’90s I’d cut up newspaper clips of Clinton. It was always something I really enjoyed,” Mlynek said.