Learning, Leading, and Serving on the Hill
This week, we spoke to Ashley Beheler, Staff Assistant for the Office of Representative Addison McDowell.
Can you walk us through your career path and the steps that led you to your current role as a Staff Assistant?
My path to becoming a Staff Assistant certainly wasn’t a traditional Hill route. I graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in political science, but I didn’t intern on the Hill in college. To be honest, I never really pictured myself working in government.
Prior to my role, I worked as a full-time nanny and as an aide in a Special Education preschool classroom. I loved those jobs and learned so much from them, but I knew I eventually wanted to use my degree more directly. I began looking in D.C. and I began networking, reaching out on LinkedIn, grabbing coffee with anyone who was willing to share advice about all things D.C.
That’s when I learned about Capitol Hill. It was from then on that I knew I would do whatever it took to be here. I was incredibly nervous about trying to break into the Hill without prior experience and was so worried I was behind, but I decided to take a leap of faith anyway.
When this opportunity came along, I dove into preparing for the interview and gave it everything I had. Taking that risk was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m so grateful I pushed past the fear, because I truly love where I am now and have the chance to grow in a role that aligns with my interests and long-term goals.
Which policy areas or legislative issues are you most passionate about, and how do you stay informed and engaged in those specific areas?
Education is the policy area I’m most passionate about. My background working as a nanny and in a Special Education gave me a firsthand look at how deeply education shapes a child’s confidence, opportunities, and long-term success. Seeing students at such formative stages of life made policy feel personal to me, it’s not just legislation on paper, it directly impacts families, teachers, and kids every single day.
Because of that, I try to stay actively informed. I follow education-focused committees, read policy newsletters and education publications, and pay attention to conversations happening both on the Hill and back in my local community and school system. I’m also incredibly lucky to work in an office that genuinely cares about our communities and their success. They loop me into thoughtful discussions, send me to briefings, and, maybe most importantly, graciously let me ask a million questions. It’s the best kind of environment to learn in, and I definitely take full advantage of it.
Can you describe a challenging or particularly rewarding project you’ve worked on as a staffer that significantly impacted your professional growth? How did you navigate the challenges, and what did you learn from the experience?
One of the most challenging but ultimately rewarding parts of my role has been learning how to navigate conversations with disappointed constituents. Whether it’s not being able to secure a White House tour, missing out on a specific date at the Capitol, or not having the authority to resolve every issue that comes through our inbox, there are moments when I have to deliver answers that aren’t what someone was hoping for.
Early on, those conversations made me nervous. I didn’t want people to feel unheard or brushed aside. Over time, I learned that even when the answer is “no” or “not possible,” how you communicate matters just as much as the outcome. I focus on being transparent, empathetic, and solution-oriented, offering alternatives when I can and making sure constituents feel respected and taken seriously.
That experience has significantly shaped my professional growth. It strengthened my communication skills, taught me how to manage expectations with professionalism and confidence, and reminded me that public service isn’t about being able to do everything, it’s about showing up with integrity and care, even when the outcome isn’t perfect.
What advice would you offer to individuals aiming to work in Congress, and how can they stand out in such a competitive environment?
My biggest advice for anyone who wants to work in Congress is to network fearlessly and lead with genuine passion. So many opportunities on the Hill come from conversations, grabbing coffee, sending LinkedIn messages, asking thoughtful questions, and staying in touch. Don’t underestimate how far one connection can go. Be curious, be prepared, and follow up. People remember enthusiasm and initiative.
I would also say: make it clear that you want to be here. The Hill is fast-paced and demanding, and offices value people who are excited to contribute, eager to learn, and ready to help wherever needed. A positive attitude and strong work ethic go a long way. You may not know everything walking in, but if you’re passionate, willing to step up, and genuinely motivated by public service, that will set you apart in a competitive environment.
In your view, what sets working on Capitol Hill as a unique experience, and how do you navigate the specific challenges that come with it in your daily work?
What makes working on Capitol Hill so unique is the people. You’re surrounded by driven, like-minded individuals — many of them around the same age and stage of life — who are all there because they care deeply about something bigger than themselves. There’s an energy here that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. On top of that, getting to work for Members of Congress and seeing the legislative process up close is an experience that constantly reminds you why public service matters.
At the same time, the Hill comes with its challenges — long days, fast turnarounds, and high expectations. I navigate that by staying organized, keeping a positive attitude, and leaning on the strong relationships built within the office. Having a supportive team makes all the difference. The connections you form here — both professionally and personally — truly can last a lifetime, and that sense of shared purpose makes even the busiest days rewarding.
Who or what has most influenced your professional growth since coming to Capitol Hill, and why?
Without a doubt, my office has had the biggest influence on my professional growth since coming to Capitol Hill. From day one, they have supported me, challenged me, and trusted me with meaningful responsibilities that pushed me to grow. They’ve taken the time to answer my questions, give feedback, and help me understand not just what we do, but why we do it.
What has meant the most is being given opportunities that genuinely excite me and make me feel invested in the work. Having supervisors and teammates who believe in you makes all the difference, especially when you’re new to the Hill. Their mentorship, encouragement, and example have shaped my confidence and helped me develop both professionally and personally. I truly feel lucky to be part of a team that is not only incredibly capable, but also incredibly supportive.
Word association, what is the first word that comes to mind for each of these?
Policy – complex
Networking – coffee
Writing Skills – essential
Working on the Hill – special
Leadership Connect – growth
