Pros
* Even if you mainly push papers, you are in the nerve center of our democracy. You will learn a lot, always be in the loop, never be bored, and feel immense pride. * With luck, you can be making substantial decisions affecting national policy within a matter of a several years * For those who are more interested in prestige than money, the relatively low salaries are more than offset by benefits and perks * Most members are actually among the most down-to-earth people in the institution and willing to chat if you catch them at the right moment. * The work environment is fast-paced, but often very permissive of kicking back, as long as you are on top of your game. Since you work such long hours and weekends for no extra pay you might be able to take a nice lunch break, go to the gym, or listen to iTunes, especially during recess (again, this varies wildly from office to office and doesn't mean you aren't always on call)
Cons
* Compared to other political organizations and government positions I have served in, Hill staffers are less idealistic, less enthused with their work, and more interested in self-promotion than public service. It can be very difficult to connect if you are an idealist * The stereotype of Washington as rampant with nepotism is true to a disappointing extent. And even if you get past that formidable barrier, even if you know all the right people, you could be stuck in a position you dislike. There are so few jobs to go around that a lot of it just comes down to dumb luck * Not a place for people who do not want to live, breathe, and sleep their job * Your experience could be the best you will ever have or the worst you will have, depending on what member, committee, or office you are assigned to. Your supervisors have a disproportional effect on your job satisfaction. * Loyalty is appreciated by management, but rarely rewarded. I have seen incredibly qualified candidates with state ties passed aside for fresh college grads with no state ties or political experience.