Question of the day
Thursday, Sep 21, 2023 - Posted by Rich Miller
* The last time I posted something like this, one of my readers applied and accepted a legislative staff position. So, even though it’s late notice, let’s try it again…
House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch is encouraging jobseekers interested in working in state government to learn about career opportunities with his office at virtual and in-person career fairs being held on Thursday, Sept. 21.
The in-person event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 114 of the State Capitol in Springfield. A virtual event will also be held via Zoom from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Applicants can register for the in-person event here, and the virtual event here. Attendees can access the same information at either event.
“Every day in the Legislature, we have the chance to change people’s lives for the better. But I truly believe legislators are only as effective as the staff who are doing the work behind them,” Welch said. “That’s why I’m committed to building a team in the Speaker’s Office that looks like Illinois, that fights for Illinois, and that delivers for Illinois. There are exciting times ahead, so if you are looking to make a difference, then the Speaker’s office is looking for you.”
The career fairs offer an opportunity for interested candidates to get more information about a variety of careers with Office of the Speaker, talk with experienced staff, and apply for current openings. Welch’s office is actively recruiting for a number of full-time, part-time, and temporary positions, including:
• Assistant Legal Counsel to the Speaker
• Committee Clerk
• Doorkeeper (temporary)
• Enrolling and Engrossing Input Operator
• Human Resources Generalist
• Leadership Page (full-time and part time)
• Legislative Coordinator
• Research & Appropriations Director
• Research Analyst
Interested applicants can find out more about these positions at the career fairs, at ILHouseDems.com/Employment, or on the office’s LinkedIn page.
To apply prior to the event, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@hds.ilga.gov.
It’s obviously not going to be easy to recruit a new Research & Appropriations Director because a majority of the staff is trying to form a union.
Anyway…
* The Question: Did you or a family member ever work on legislative staff? Tell us about it.
…Adding… Senate Democratic job openings are here.
- smile politely - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 10:43 am:
What happened to the door keeper. There was a huge story when she got hired
- Peanut Gallery - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 10:52 am:
Yes, in my early 20’s. Lots of things to love about it - the friendships, a sense of “doing something for the people”, lots of excitement during session.
I couldn’t do it today with a family. Unpredictable hours during session, the “always on call” attitude”, and while the benefits were nice, the pay was low. Not sure how much has changed, but this wasn’t so long ago.
Legislative staff opened up doors to my future jobs, created lasting friendships, and brought lots of good memories to go with it. Would encourage anyone interested that can deal with that lifestyle to do it.
- Springfield Watcher - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 10:53 am:
I love this.
- Capitol Observer - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 10:56 am:
I worked on staff. Those were the best years. Tons of experience. Amazing relationships built. Definitely prepared me and propelled me to other high paying opportunities.
- Rep. Didech - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:11 am:
It was an incredible opportunity to learn about and participate in the legislative process. Might still be doing it today had I not gotten married and moved back home.
- Norseman - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:12 am:
I was a staffer for the old GOP. I was referred by a member. Met my wife there and thoroughly enjoyed the job. That was a time when folks left it at the office. Dems were adversaries, not enemies. I respected many of them and became friends with many of their staff.
Left for more money to support my family. I missed the job until it became evident that things have changed for the worse.
- Observation - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:15 am:
I did time on staff for both chambers. I became a critical thinker and think quickly on my feet. I also learned that things are not necessarily as they seem in the policy arena and that there is often a long game in the works. Big lessons for a 20 something. As with other commenters, I owe any successes in my career to my time on staff and am grateful I had the opportunities.
- Space Cowboy - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:22 am:
Did it for almost a decade.
It was a rough ride but the relationships and knowledge helped get me to greener pastures I wouldn’t have found other wise.
It’s not for everyone but it can be very rewarding if you tough it out and play it right.
- We’ll See - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:28 am:
Through UIS’ legislative internship program my son worked in the house appropriations office in the late 2000s. It was a great experience for him.
- Langhorne - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:31 am:
31 years with The general assembly, and six years with the executive branch interacting with the GA. Partisan committee staffer for three years in my 20s. The most intellectually intense job I have ever had. Lots of pressure and time constraints. As others have said, being on staff is thought of as a credential that boost your career path.
When I moved to the executive branch, I found myself getting anxious in the spring, as weather warmed up. Then I realized that subconsciously I connected warm weather with session pressure.
- Rayne of Terror - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 11:43 am:
I spent the three years between undergrad and law school on staff. I made friends who I still see 20 years later.
- Just the Facts - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 12:51 pm:
JCAR staff during the 80s. A great introduction as to how state government works. From there to the Executive branch and with that combination I’ve had a good career outside of government.
- Retired Observer - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 2:12 pm:
Spent 12 years there in the 80s and 90s. Made lifelong friends and contacts and it gave me a great work ethic I carried with me until my retirement. It’s too polarized now and with the staffers who want to unionize, I don’t think you could pay me enough to work there now with a bunch of whiners. These jobs are political. They are hard. And it’s probably one of the best educations/hands on experiences you are going to get outside the classroom. And never forget, if you say yes to the job offer you “serve at the pleasure off….” Loafers and whiners need not apply.
BTW, I’m a huge supporter of unions where they are needed.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Sep 21, 23 @ 5:15 pm:
- BTW, I’m a huge supporter of unions where they are needed. -
Wherever there are Workers is where Unions are needed.
- IDK - Friday, Sep 22, 23 @ 7:18 am:
@smile politely, she is still the Doorkeeper. The posting listed should read “Doorperson”, as in the temporary folks who work with the Doorkeeper.
- Ms_KJP - Friday, Sep 22, 23 @ 9:32 am:
I was a staff attorney for a different state legislature, in a non-partisan role. It was a wonderful experience - I learned so much about the legislative process, about relationship building, and about problem solving.