The millennial fast track to success in Washington is well-worn, but the top prize of a White House job still requires experience and grunt work, according to job advice from two former top speechwriters.
Cody Keenan, who wrote for former President Barack Obama, recalled pleas from White House interns seeking jobs. “Why would I hire you now?” he recalled asking.
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“You’ve got to build up a little time, be patient,” he said he told the go-getters, adding, “If you stick around, work hard and be nice to people — these are no-brainers — it turns out divine providence can pay off pretty well.”
ICYMI: @codykeenan & @marcthiessen join us in last week’s episode to talk about presidential speechwriting! https://t.co/QH98rU2lA6
— Fly on the Wall (@FlyOnTheWallPod) March 5, 2017
Marc Thiessen, former President George W. Bush’s speechwriter, advised young job seekers to “do grunt work” and pick a mentor to believe in.
“If you approach life as here’s what I believe in, and how can I take my talents that God’s given me and the talents I’ve cultivated and put those to work in what I believe in to help others, you’ll find that is the best path to success,” he said during a Georgetown University conference on speechwriting.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
