Capitol Update
By Senator Howard Marklein
December 1, 2017

Hire Howard for the Day
Seeking nominations for job shadowing experiences.

 
I was recently shadowed by two high school students who wanted to experience a day in the life of a legislator and legislative staff. Garrett Prem from River Valley High School and Isaiah Zavalla from Necedah High School spent the day with me and my team on October 31, 2017.

Garrett and Isaiah accompanied me to meetings, observed the Senate Floor Session, attended an Assembly Committee hearing and visited with Rep. Ed Brooks (R-Reedsburg) and Rep. Todd Novak (Dodgeville), who also represent them. They also spent some time with my team learning about the role of a legislative staff person and how each member serves the residents of the 17^th District. From media communications to constituent services, they were exposed to a lot of different ideas and concepts.

As I reflected on their visit, I thought about other young people who have spent time job shadowing with me and how a day of experience has changed the direction of their life. A job shadow is more than a snapshot of a career. It is often a hands-on, well-rounded, experiential opportunity to dig into the reality of another person’s daily role. It is a terrific way to truly understand what it is like to spend a day in another person’s shoes without the pretense of a formal meeting or presentation.

In the new year, I am seeking job shadow experiences. I want a deeper knowledge of what it is like to walk in the shoes of the people I serve. Will you nominate yourself? Your business? An industry? Will you show me what you do? Will you share your daily tasks with me? Will you answer my questions?

Throughout my state service, I have sought ways to better understand the needs, challenges, successes and opportunities experienced by the people of the 17^th Senate District. I spend as much time as I can in the nine counties I serve; touring businesses and organizations, visiting with local leaders, meeting people at community events and seeking information and ideas.

Now, I want you to hire me for the day. Take me to work with you. Let me help you do your job. Deepen my understanding of your challenges, obstacles and opportunities. Show me what you do.

To nominate yourself, your business or to suggest an industry I should explore, please send an email to me at sen.marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0703.