Dana Wilson
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Major: Environment & Natural Resources
Current Job Title: Committee Legislative Assistant
Organization: Minnesota House of Representatives
How did you find this job?
Through contacts I made as an intern and during my employment as an organizer for the DFL Caucus during the 2006 campaigns.
Membership & Development Associate, International Wolf Center
Program Coordinator, Minnesota Wetland Delineator Certification Program -
University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, & Climate
District Representative, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
I work for the DFL Caucus of the Minnesota House of Representatives as a Committee Legislative Assistant for the Agriculture, Rural Economies, and Veterans Affairs Finance Committee. I do mostly administrative work pertaining to our committee, including attending all committee hearings, taking official minutes, organizing testifiers, tracking bills, and moving bills to various committees. I also work for the Chair of the Committee and do all his scheduling and constituent work. My main responsibility is to keep track of legislation and news regarding our committee's topics and serve as a legislative assistant to a state representative.
My internship at the House of Representatives, my study abroad trip to Costa Rica during intersession and my colloquium class on wetlands where I learned how wetlands issues fall under state law and how the public process works.
That legislators are unapproachable. Most of them are happy to have their constituents share their viewpoints with them and visit them on a regular basis. Most are also truly in it to help people—not for the prestige.
Do as many internships as possible! Finding an internship in an organization that has the ability to hire you after graduation is also a great opportunity. Do not be afraid to seek assistance, ask lots of questions and find a good mentor.