PLACEMENT OFFICE (need better title)
After three months of intense orientation and interviewing for placements, fellows entered their placement offices ready to start contributing.
NEED CALL TO ACTION/EXPLORE
Bringing Health Expertise to their Placement
Unlike many Congressional staffers who are hired as recent college grads, RWJF fellows brought a wealth of experience into their role that put them in a unique position to contribute to the development of health policy and extrapolate potential ramifications of proposals under consideration.
Learning on the Job
The transition from a mid-career professional to a brand-new staffer in a bustling office was a startling shift for many fellows. The first days were often overwhelming, humbling, daunting, exciting, or any combination of emotions. In some cases, fulfilling assigned tasks meant a complete mindset shift from politically neutral, heavily sources research to ultra concise, on brand messaging for the breakneck pace of the Hill environment.
Throughout their time, fellows were constantly introduced to new insights into the political process, the value and skill of communicating with others who have differing opinions, and the sheer impact of working on legislation at the federal level.
Life in the Office
Working in the Halls of History
Fellows come from around the country to work in the seat of federal legislation and policy. Connections through the reputation of the fellowship often opened doors to exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Office Memories
Amid the bombardment of once in a lifetime opportunities, many fellows can recall specific moments that stood out. Whether a meeting with a particular constituency, a policy that would go on to become legislation, or an unanticipated opportunity to present information to an important recipient, these memories made each fellow’s experience one of a kind.
While senators, representatives, and executive branch leaders are the recognizable faces in the political world, staffers are the backbone of the Hill and the White House, providing elected officials with the information necessary to make an informed decision on bills. RWJ Fellows worked alongside career staffers to support the office agendas, in some cases being completely integrated into the team despite their brief tenure.
Fellows Impact Legislation
Fellows did work on health care legislation. I think that they definately influenced legislation in it’s formation and they played important leadership roles.
— Marion Ein Lewin, Fellowship Director 19XX-19XX