Career on Capitol Hill
Liberty graduate Sarah Stevens finds job as congressman’s chief of staff
At only 24 years of age, Sarah Stevens (‘12) has been named chief of staff as well as communications director for Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa.) This makes her the youngest person to hold such a position in Washington.
Politics — Sarah Stevens previously interned in Washington D.C. Photo provided
Stevens’ new position and new responsibilities, in which she supports one of the nation’s political leaders, allows Stevens to display her versatility.
“There is no such thing as a normal day (on Capitol Hill),” Stevens said. “Everyday is different. I have learned that the only way to get through the day is to be happy with going with the flow.”
Stevens manages each aspect of King’s day.
“I oversee … King’s entire staff, both in the district in Iowa and in D.C. I manage everything about what happens for Mr. King’s day, what the priorities are, and the general strategy of making sure we accomplish his goals.”
Stevens is also the communications director, where she writes op-eds and press releases, uses social media and is in constant contact with the local media in Iowa as well as the national media. She also sets the overall communications messaging strategy for King. Additionally, Stevens oversees political operations for King and plays a vital role in fundraising and networking.
While at Liberty, Stevens earned a bachelor of science in communication studies with dual concentrations in broadcast and advertising/public relations. Stevens gives credit to her education at Liberty for where she is today, specifically the communications department.
“The classes and professors greatly prepared me,” Stevens said. “The hands-on projects we did in my classes translated so well to the real work I do for my job. Liberty also reinforced the importance of not compromising your faith or values when you are in the workforce.”
During her senior year at Liberty, Stevens interned with The Heritage Foundation through The Washington Fellowship, a program at Liberty that allows students to intern in the nation’s capital.
“The Washington Fellowship was instrumental in starting my career in D.C.,” Stevens said. “(It) helped provide the opportunities with internships, networking, and especially the great alumni network in the city. I recommend that all Liberty students consider doing one semester of the Washington Fellowship.”
Stevens said she is thankful for the platform God has given her to proclaim her faith in the field of politics.
“I have learned that when you stand on principle, when you fight for truth, you may stand alone,” Stevens said in an interview with Liberty University News Service. “It will not always be easy, but the reward of seeing the needle move even just a little more to the right toward conservative principles is well worth the fight.”
Stevens said taking proactive steps in college toward building a career and keeping a strong work ethic are valuable in succeeding after graduation.
“Do the Washington Fellowship,” Stevens said. “Come to D.C. and get involved. Network like crazy. Remember who you represent, and serve the Lord with joy in whatever capacity he puts you in. People will notice the difference. Work hard and don’t worry about who gets the credit.”
Students can learn more about the Washington Fellowship through the Career Center on campus or by clicking the Washington Fellowship tab on Liberty’s Career Center website.
ROBERSON is a news reporter.