Exploring Careers on Capitol Hill

This series, Exploring Careers on Capitol Hill, brings together Middlebury in DC, Middlebury alumni, students, and members of the Middlebury Professional Network to explore career paths in and around Capitol Hill. Each episode dives into a different role, offering insight into how legislation and policy are shaped by those working behind the scenes.

For the full playlist, visit our YouTube channel, where you will find all episodes and more series in our MIDDVantage collection.

Episode 7: Concluding Interview with Representative Sean Casten

• Guest: Sean Casten ‘93, Congressman
• Interviewer: Fariha Haque, Director, Middlebury in DC
• Overview: Sean Casten ‘93 represents Illinois’ 6th Congressional District, making history as the first Democrat in nearly 50 years to serve this area. He serves on several committees, including Financial Services, Science, Space, and Technology, and the Select Climate Crisis Committee, where he’s an advocate for climate action. Casten holds a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Middlebury and advanced degrees in engineering. Before Congress, he worked in biotech and clean energy technology.
• Watch Time: 26 minutes

Episode 6: How Committees Hold Presidents Accountable: Oversight, Investigations, and Impeachment

• Guest: Kelly Hennessy ‘15.5, Director of Member Services and Policy Advisor, US Senate
• Interviewer: Joshua Mohling ‘21
• Overview: Kelly Hennessy ‘15.5 has worked on Capitol Hill since 2017, supporting Congresswoman Maloney (NY-12) and currently advising on oversight and policy for the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. With a start in political organizing, Kelly brings a keen understanding of accountability and government transparency.
• Watch Time: 28  minutes

Episode 5: Committees: Gatekeepers in the Legislative Process

• Guest: Leila Schochet ‘16, Policy Advisor, U.S. Senate
• Interviewer: Isla Bowery ‘21
• Overview: Leila Schochet ‘16 serves as a Policy Advisor on the Senate HELP Committee, focusing on issues affecting children and families. Her work includes advancing policies on child care, family homelessness, and more. Leila has also worked at the Center for American Progress as a policy analyst.
• Watch Time: 35 minutes

Episode 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law: Authorizations, Bill Development, and the Floor

• Guest: Charlie Arnowitz ‘13, Senior Legislative Assistant, U.S. Congress
• Interviewer: Sabrina Roberts ‘21
• Overview: Charlie Arnowitz ‘13 has served on Capitol Hill since 2014, working for several legislators on domestic policy issues and advising on the House Ways and Means Subcommittees. He’s also pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard while working as a Senior Legislative Assistant.
• Watch Time: 29 minutes

Episode 3: Lobbying: Advocating for People, Businesses, and Causes

• Guest: Suzy C. Sterner ‘90, Senior Vice President, Government Relations at BWX Technologies
• Interviewer: Akhil Koppisetti ‘21
• Overview: Suzy Sterner ‘90 has over 25 years of experience in government relations, representing major industries from space to defense. Currently leading government relations for BWXT, Suzy has a vast network and experience advocating in Washington for the private sector.
• Watch Time: 39 minutes

Episode 2: The President’s Budget and Appropriations: How Funding Drives Policy

• Guest: Anna Esten ‘13, Mission Government and Community Affairs Specialist at Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals
• Interviewer: Van Barth ‘21
• Overview: With six years on Capitol Hill, Anna Esten ‘13 worked as Senior Health Policy Advisor to U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, guiding policy on the Senate HELP and Finance Committees. She now supports Boston hospitals in community and government affairs.
• Watch Time: 37 minutes

Episode 1: An Overview of How Congress Works: History, Mechanics, and the State of Affairs

• Guest: Matthew Dickinson, Professor of Political Science at Middlebury College
• Interviewer: Abbott LaPrade ‘21
• Overview: Professor Dickinson, an expert on the presidency and Congress, covers the inner workings of U.S. government, from history to current issues. With years of research and publications, he brings a deep dive into how Congress operates.
• Watch Time: 37 minutes