Where are they now?: Tom Briggs -- 2008 Session Assistant

1. When did you participate in the Undergraduate Session Assistants Program or Senate Fellowship?  

January 2008 – April 2008 (Undergraduate Session Assistant)

2. Which Senate office were you placed in during your internship?

Senator Bill Perkins

3. Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your internship office placement.  

I was responsible for preparing the senator’s session agendas as well as his committee meeting agendas. Preparing each agenda entailed a brief analysis of each bill as well as his past voting record on the legislation. Additionally, I met with constituents and lobbyists on a daily basis and reported back to the Senator on the various issues discussed at the meetings. On session days I would also be in chambers with the Senator to ensure he had everything he needed.

4. Where are you working now? Briefly describe your responsibilities/day-to-day activities in your current place of employment.

I am happy to say that after my internship with Senator Perkins I was hired as a full-time employee. Many of my responsibilities stayed the same, however, I was given many new responsibilities as well. Now, I am responsible for facilitating and steering legislation through the legislative process, from the initial drafting of the legislation through its enactment into  law. In addition, I work closely with our counsel and the Senator as we discuss the various policy implications of numerous legislative proposals. In addition to serving as the Legislative Director, I am the de facto Office Manager. This role includes supervising the Albany staff to guarantee exceptional performance and reliability and managing the Senator’s schedule while he is in Albany. Of course, from day-to-day, I have many other tasks that may arise because that is the nature of the work we do here.

5. What did you learn from participating in the New York State Senate internship programs that you have been able to carry over to your new position?

There are countless things I learned here during my internship and while I continue to work here. To name just a few:

1) I learned that first impressions truly do matter, and your reputation will certainly make or break you.  -

2) I cannot stress enough how important it is to build long-lasting and fruitful relationships while working here or anywhere else.

3)Do your job, and do it well; because in the end it’s the quality of your work that will determine your future employment options. Who you know is certainly important, it may get you a job. It’s what you know, however, that keeps you there.