After serving as Chief of Staff for Missouri State Senator Doug Libla for years, Political Science Alumni Kyle Aubuchon, joins the staff of U. S. Congressman, Jason Smith, from Missouri’s 8th District.
This post is WAY overdue, and I’m happy and relieved to have finally written something. My name is Kyle Aubuchon and I am a Political Science alumni (December 2010). I’ve always been interested in history, government, and politics, and I credit my success and fortune today from being selected into the internship program offered in Jefferson City at our state capitol.
When selected, we are told our jobs are to represent the university honorably and work for our senator or representative with integrity. We are there to learn, not to indulge our own personal political beliefs or ideology. I didn’t anticipate making as many connections as I did, or go up there looking for a job, but thanks to the training we received I was noticed and able to find a job IN MY CAREER FIELD immediately upon graduation.
Over the last seven years I’ve worked as a legislative assistant to a state representative, chief of staff to a state senator, and effective November 1st I am now a field representative for Congressman Jason Smith. Along the way I also work on the “other side” of this career field – politics, campaigns, and elections. Some staffers only do campaign work; other only want to work on the official side doing legislation and constituent work. I do both!
I love being a part of both worlds because they are connected, but very different. I help get candidates elected, and then it’s fun to see them once they are elected – whether they fulfill campaign promises, how they vote on issues, etc. And I don’t forget that I got my start at Missouri State University in the Political Science department. To all the current students out there majoring in PLS – there are plenty of opportunities and jobs out there upon graduation. Work hard and take advantage!
Kyle is pictured here with Missouri Lt. Governor, Mike Parson.