Jobs – Page 5 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

High Hopes for a Bright Future in Austin, TX

After a day of getting our feet wet in the Capitol and of renewing acquaintances with LEAP Alumni, we were ready bright and early for Day Two in the Texas Legislature.

Megan_Selfie — Megan Chapa Heads to Work

Like yesterday, it was a day of learning. I am doing my learning, at least for the first half of the week, in Representative John Zerwas’s office.

Zerwas represents District 28–an area with which I am familiar because I was actually raised in the district. A graduate of Baylor College of Medicine, Rep. Zerwas is an Anesthesiologist who has served in the House of Representatives since 2006. He currently serves as the Chair of the Higher Education Committee, and he is a member of the Public Health Committee.

Dr. Zerwas’s chief of staff, Nelda Hunter, welcomed me and quickly assigned my duties. My project was to do research on Texas higher education admission policy and compare it to other states who have similar demographics or size. I had the unique opportunity to attend a briefing hosted by Representative Zerwas’s office. The briefing was a presentation done by a representative from Educate Texas, an advocacy council that specializes in post-secondary education in Texas. Its mission is to offer policy recommendations that improves the overall quality of higher education. This council is made up of education experts.

Less glamorous but as important, I was also able learn how to use the phones and the Correspondence Management System (CMS). Although it was only two and a half days in Representative Zerwas’s office, everything I learned was truly valuable and appreciated.

During my lunch “break,” Alex Galvan and I were able to meet with Erin Daly-Wilson, who works for Speaker Joe Straus. During the meeting she stressed the importance of interning and gave us tips on how to be an effective professional. I learned that the committee appointments are made within the first three weeks of session and the Speaker is elected on the first day of session by the House Members. Speaker Straus was elected in a special election in 2005 and now has three bodies of constituents: his San Antonio District, the House, and the entire state of Texas. The Speaker of the House is the 3^rd most important position in the legislature only following the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor. It was great meeting with such an experienced and dedicated individual and we were grateful she carved time out of her busy day for us.

Immediately following our work day we headed to Gourdough‘s, an extreme donut restaraunt, for a sweet meeting with Representative-Elect Ernest Bailes and his future chief of staff, Nick Raymond. Representative-Elect Bailes will be representing Huntsville in the State Legislature, so it was an honor to spend some time with him.

As a student who would like to intern during the Session, I asked Mr. Bailes numerous questions about the qualities he looks for in an intern and took mental note of his wise words.

Every interaction is an interview. Represent yourself well;
Open up and converse. People want to feel welcome when they walk into an office;
Offices look for young people who will be reliable, professional, and skilled.

Tuesday Night Excursion: Mount Bonnell

After a day of (we hope) climbing the ladder of success, we decided to also climb Mount Bonnell.

Climbing is a bit of an overstatement, because Mount Bonnell is more of a stroll, but it does offer very pretty views, to the east and the Austin Skyline…

Mount_Bonnell_Austin_Skyline_2_Cropped_Web — The Austin Skyline from Mount Bonnell

…and to the West…

Mount_Bonnell_Sunset_Web — The Colorado River at Sunset from Mount Bonnell

The elevation, sunset, and beautiful views prompted some fun photographs…

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…many of them utilizing all of Bonnell’s 780-foot elevation to prime advantage…

DCIM107GOPRO — Near the Peak of Mount Bonnell, at Sunset

Mount Bonnell is part of Austin’s impressive park system, one that helps the state’s capitol rank high in the “most fit cities” lists that crop up now and then. But although there are some trails on Mount Bonnell, it’s more of a place to enjoy the sunset…

Mount_Bonnell_Sunset_Couple_Web

…or to enjoy a group outing…

…or simply to contemplate nature and the future…

Mount_Bonnell_Alex_2_Web

And after a day of building our skills, learning from others, and pursuing our dreams, we did indeed feel as though we had gotten a glimpse into a bright future.

Mount_Bonnell_Sunset_Girls_Backs_Diffuse_Glow_WEb

Council Member for a Day

LEAP students, looking to become more civically involved, had the opportunity to learn from Huntsville leadership Thursday afternoon. In what was considered “Local Government Day” at City Hall, LEAP students came prepared to re-enact a city council meeting, complete with scripts and councilmember assignments.

The afternoon began with Mayor Woodward talking to students about the importance of civic involvement . We learned about his resume as mayor and of the ins and outs of holding the office. Mayor Woodward gave us a good portion of his afternoon to chat and answer questions before his next event. Taking his place, City Secretary Lee Woodward instructed us on city government and how it works. She spoke about the mission of the city, the different positions held by city workers, and what she does, specifically, as city secretary. Students, often coming to Huntsville from Houston where they are not as involved in the local happenings, listened intently, learning of all the opportunities that await them as members of the Huntsville community.

After learning about Huntsville’s Council-Manager system, students engaged in the exercise of the afternoon, acting out a city council meeting as members of the council and mayor. Each student was assigned to a different position, ranging from mayor to city attorney to hospital administrator, and we read from a script and extemporized the happenings of a typical city council meeting, including the proposal of a texting and driving ordinance–a topic of particular interest to college students.

We had the chance to be coached throughout by City Secretary Woodward and Professor Yawn, both of whom have extensive experience in the Tuesday night council meetings. Students acted their parts well for the most part and, in some cases, argued the proposal of the ordinance with the fervor of actual city council members. In all, we acted through two separate council meetings, with each of us switching roles.

Overall, we did pretty well. One of the most difficult things was adjusting to parliamentary procedure. Another was understanding the various rules under which city governments have to operate. If nothing else, this was a good exercise to know how hard council members work for virtually no pay ($10 a meeting).

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Ending the afternoon, students enjoyed cupcakes from and chatted about the excitement of being mayor or a councilmember for a few hours. We explored the park behind city hall and saw Charles Pebworth’s “Totem #1.” Inspired to become involved and entrenched in city politics, LEAP students left city hall eager to make a difference in the community. We would like to thank Mayor Woodward and City Secretary Woodward for their hospitality and for hosting LEAP during such an educational afternoon.

A Four-Star Retreat

While beginning the fall semester at Sam Houston, LEAP students had a lot to look forward to: new classes, LSAT preparation, moot-court practice, and meetings with four-star general Stanley McChrystal. This semester, we started the semester off right with a visit to The Woodlands to meet and speak with General Stanley McChrystal as a kind of kick-off to our two-day retreat.

When we first met General McChrystal, we immediately felt how his presence dominated the room.

Very calm and relaxed, he reminded us more of the laid back, logically thinking dad more than the head command of JSOC (Joint Special Operations Command), the force credited with the elimination of many terrorists. General McChrystal began the small-group question-and-answer session,we learned that he followed in his family footsteps and attended the United States Military Academy, where he learned to be the disciplined officer turned four-star general we know today. While in command in Iraq, General McChrystal noticed that while our system of war making decisions and standard operating procedures was efficient, it was not appropriate for a new world that was “faster, flatter, and more flexible.” After reviewing the organization and its strengths and weaknesses, McChrystal re-organized the JSOC and implements a new system of communication that connected 7,600 people and their teams in 76 different counties and nations.

While much of his story and later on speech involved his role in the Iraqi war, General McChrystal spoke mostly on his leadership style and how he became the leader he is now. When asked about his views on leadership, General McChrystal compared his job to being a gardener. This was an intriguing analogy, but McChrystal explained that a gardener isn’t responsible for nature. He’s responsible for ensuring that the environment is favorable for growth–removing obstacles (e.g., weeds) and providing resources (e.g., water). While commanding the JSOC, McChrystal ensured that his direct reports and troops (1) knew their mission, (2) had the information they needed to make good decisions on their own, and (3) had the resources they needed to fulfill their mission.

What made General McChrystal’s speech applicable to LEAP was his outlook on leadership as well as his courage to adapt to an evolving world of communication and technology within the framework of a “team of teams”. As an organization made up of different kinds of students with different strengths and weaknesses, LEAP students strive to follow this “team of teams” concept and look forward to using it this year to become a more productive and efficient organization at Sam.

We ended the evening by following the pull of our ravenous bellies. The Black Walnut Café was calling our name and we graciously decided to answer. The lighting and warm colors of mahogany and magenta, as well as the smell of the fresh seasonings in the air greeted as we entered the door and invited us to sit down and enjoy time with each other, while bonding over a delicious meal. We enjoyed great diversity in the menu in the form of salads, burgers, and pasta, and even some very impressive garlic bread. We closed the evening, cherishing our time with General McChyrstal and with each other, amidst discussions of the next LEAP adventure.

Austin Interns End Session on High Note

Following five months in Austin, the eight participants in Sam Houston State University’s Austin Internship program approached their final day of work with bittersweet feelings.

While the end of the session meant a welcome relief from the 140-day legislative session and long work hours, it also meant leaving recently-formed friendships, expanded professional networks, and the adrenaline high of working under public pressure.

Sadie Mclaughlin, for instance, filled the semester with procedural work, assisting constituents and helping keep the schedule for Rep. John Otto, chairman of the appropriations committee.

For Ariel Traub, the end of the session brought resolution to the bills on which she worked, including one pertaining to court costs that failed, and another that streamlined the application process for job seekers, which passed.

Intern Sadie McLaughlin filled her internship semester by assisting
constituents and helping keep the schedule for Rep. John Otto.

Their final day, however, turned out to be more sweet than bitter, involving a meeting with Gov. Greg Abbott and receiving recognition from the House floor.

“That was a nice way to end the internship,” said Guadalupe Cuellar, who interned for Rep. Will Metcalf. “We weren’t expecting that.”

The meeting was arranged after members of the governor’s staff contacted Mike Yawn, AIP director, asking for a meeting to “thank the interns for their work this session.”

“I don’t like to speak for the interns,” Yawn said, “but this seemed like a pretty easy decision.”

The meeting was brief, with Abbott asking about SHSU, the interns’ work over the session, their offices, and other small talk. It ended with a photograph and the governor thanking the students for their work.

Although the students would have liked to linger in the governor’s reception room, they had other places to be. Reps. John Otto and Armando Martinez had scheduled a recognition of the interns from the House floor, and the students made haste to the House gallery.

Describing the interns as “noteworthy Texans,” the resolution thanked the students for their “outstanding service” and for capably handling their “important responsibilities” with “skill and dedication.”

Otto, whose district includes SHSU, commended the university for its “wonderful” work with the internships and recognized each student from the House floor for a job well done.

Hours later, their jobs ended with the formal close of the 84th legislative session—but not before Abbott signed into law the bill streamlining the process of applying for government jobs, a final victory for Traub and the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Charles Schwertner.

But the real victory for the students was laying the foundation for a promising future, according to Yawn.

Shelby O’Brien was hired as Rep. Todd Hunter’s district scheduler in Corpus Christi; Traub accepted a position as field representative for Congressman Kevin Brady; Oscar Aguilar was offered several campaign jobs and is mulling over the one for which he would like to work; and Jessica Rodriguez is headed to Chicago to attend DePaul Law School this fall.

“This is a great foundation to build on,” McLaughlin said. “I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

LEAP Center Preps for Campaign Bootcamp!

Six LEAP Center students started preparation for the New Politics Forum Bootcamp in the last twenty-four hours. Preparation included the drive to Austin, a fine meal at Shiraz Shish Kabob, and a morning of site-seeing around the Austin Area.

The meal at Shiraz Shish Kabob was entertaining, primarily because half of the students had actually never eaten Mediterranean food! After some Hummus, Tzatziki, Chicken Kabob, Lamb Kabob, Gyros, and Baklava, at least two of those three will probably go back for more.

After plans to kayak on Lady Bird Lake fell through because of the potential for bad weather and unsafe lake conditions, we decided to head north to Salado, a small tourist community that offered a morning full of fun! This included Salado Mercantile, Salado Glassworks, the Salado Sculpture Walk, the Salado’s Mud Pies Pottery and, of course, Salado Creek–which was quite full.

More to come following our first day at the Bootcamp!

LEAP Center Students Learn Manners–Career Services Etiquette Dinner Event

An impressive interview can set you up for a life-long career, or it can keep you from the opportunity of a lifetime. Ms. Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, laid out what one should expect and the tools you will need to impress the recruiters at your interview dinner. Thanks to Career Services at SHSU, LEAP Center students had the opportunity to become experts in the European style of dining. Ms. Gottsman not only explained the correct way to handle silverware, how to stir your tea, and how to properly sit while at the table, and she also made the evening extremely interactive and inviting. Ms. Gottsman answered questions throughout the event and directed individuals as they practiced their etiquette during dinner. She offered many pieces of advice from the importance of the second interview meal to the color of an interview shirt.

It is not only important to have strong verbal communication with recruiters, it is equally important to know the strength of your wardrobe and how different colors may portray you as a strong, confident individual or easily forgettable. Ms. Gottsman emphasized this topic heavily and suggested we speak with someone we respect to help us discover what clothing will look the most professional. For example, if one was to wear a navy blue suit to their interview dinner, then they should choose a light blue shirt to stand out and show their confidence. A white shirt would suggest the strongest color, while a darker color would present itself as less confident.

Ms. Gottsman spoke of her experience with companies and described how she speaks to the same companies that will be hiring many graduates. She teaches them what to look for from potential hires and in turn teaches students precisely what companies’ look for. It is a win-win for SHSU students and these top US companies. Learning these skills helps students get one step closer to securing their first job.

Diane Gottsman with LEAP Center Students — Ms. Gottsman with LEAP Center Students

The skills LEAP students learned require constant practice and will be used throughout our careers. Students enjoyed not only getting to interact with Ms. Gottsman, but also having the opportunity to practice their etiquette skills during a delectable three-course meal. LEAP Center students were pleased to enjoy a delicious meal and learn proper etiquette, another step towards the journey to professional careers.

LEAP Center Job Tips

Careerealism is a fine site suggested by Nancy Bocskor, and it has relevant information for many of SHSU’s students. This offers a good for start for students hoping to wrap their mind around an upcoming interview: Five Tips to Ace the Interview

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