Dear Newest Medill DC Reporter:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the hottest of times.
With the summer quarter drawing to a close, I often find myself reflecting on my weeks here at the Medill News Service. Despite scorching hot days and the cold receptions from press officials, I can still look back on my time here and know that there were indeed lessons learned. Some about writing, others about reporting:
Give your card to everybody. Circumvent said press officers if you can. Stalk the politicians like they are next season’s Gucci bag.
But those are obvious. You, dear incoming reporter, surely know all of that. So, I am here to let you in on a few more recently discovered tricks of the trade cultivated from my long and illustrious 10-week career here at MNS.
1) Bring your own extension cord: My guess is you have at least five lying around from undergrad. So instead of tripping over them as they take up space in your basement, put them to good use.
Chances are anywhere you go to report—committee meetings especially—will only have two outlets for every dozen reporters. Make yourself everyone’s savior by whipping out your extension cord. Multiplying precious electricity for yourself and your brethren—it’s a win-win.
2) Sit where you can read everyone’s nameplate: Prime real estate in committee rooms is essential. Sure you can spot your public officials from a mile away, but the chances of being able to identify all 100 members of the U.S. Senate when they aren’t dolled up for their official photos is slim. So, to be sure you can attribute that gold coin quote, make sure you can see their names. Sit in the middle of the back of the room if you have to. You don’t have that extension cord for nothing.
3) Download the “Congress in your Pocket” iPhone app: Nameplates only go so far. If you are trying to track down a member of Congress outside of Tuesday lunch or by stealthily hiding in the elevator, you’ll actually need to know what they look like. This application is truly useful by putting names and photos in your hand for convenient stalking. There’s no need to spring for the high roller version, you’re a journalist, the $0.99 one will do.
4) Carry moist towelettes: Since it is certain to be humid here until mid-December, you fall entrants won’t totally escape the giant vapor cloud that looms over the district in the warmer months. And, if you have a meeting with, say, a prominent Senator’s chief of staff (soon to be me), you’ll want to be looking your best. Problem is, you might face a long, sweaty walk to whatever federal office building you seek. Easy fix—just pop into the closest bathroom, dab the sweat from your brow and away you go looking fresh as a daisy.
5) Befriend other reporters: This is especially useful in committee meetings. Consider them a resource. They’ve been around a lot longer than you and have a mental rolodex of past legislative action. Engaging in conversation about what facts you do know, could lead to a discussion of some tidbits you need to know. If nothing else they make good conversation at Friday night tacos at the Press Club.
I hope these little tricks help you to stay on your A-game, and that you have an awesome time here in DC.
XOXO,
Becca
P.S. Make sure to use your Press Club privileges—the coffee cake at breakfast is stellar.
Rebecca Dolan is currently an Environment and Energy reporter for Medill News Service. After graduation she will be living in a cardboard box over a steam vent downtown as she tries to get a job on the hill or score a gig writing about food and travel.