After being away from Washington, D.C. for nearly 15 years, the Leadership Institute’s Graduate of the Week Rob Carter has returned to join the fight on Capitol Hill.

“I knew I could learn the new ropes, but I didn’t know where to start until I stumbled across a Facebook ad for a Leadership Institute course,” Rob remembers.  “That changed everything.”

“Nobody—and I mean nobody—can understand how this town works without someone guiding you through the process,” Rob said.  “LI gives you the tools and connections you need to get your foot in the door.  What you do once you’re there is up to you.”

In September 2010, Rob attended the Leadership Institute’s Legislative Project Management School, and in November 2010 and February 2011 he attended LI’s Capitol Hill Staff Training School.  In June 2011 Rob came back for the Television Workshop’s Introduction to Techniques.

“The Leadership Institute taught me how a Congressional office functions and how to get recognized by potential employers.  Hill resumes are quite different than those for law firms, and LI really helped me with that,” Rob said.

A lawyer by trade, Rob has also worked for: the State of New Jersey as the deputy attorney general; Rep. Bill Posey (FL-15) as a legislative aide; and now for Rep. Bob Turner (NY-9) as his senior legislative assistant.

“LI introduced me to many of the people I now see on a weekly (if not daily) basis,” Rob said.  "LI also helped me to understand the way political campaigns work and how to market our message in a way that connects with our constituents.”

Campaigning is in Rob’s blood. He was victorious on three Republican campaigns that were formerly held by Democrats: Senator Scott Brown (MA); Congressman Jon Runyan (NJ-3); and Congressman Bob Turner (NY-9). “Two of my classmates from LI’s September 2010 Legislative Project Management School were also on the Runyan campaign,” Rob said.

“I acquired a large number of contacts through my LI classes, both from presenters and fellow classmates.  That alone was worth the small price of the classes,” Rob said.

In September, Rob took on a new job: senior legislative assistant in the office of Congressman Bob Turner. In this role, Rob handles homeland security and national defense issues.

“Being a tax attorney,” Rob said, “I also review legislation involving taxation, budget & financial services.  I meet with constituents and issue advocates, draft legislation, attend committee meetings, monitor floor activity, and prepare vote recommendations.”

Previously, Rob worked for Rep. Bill Posey’s (FL-15) as a legislative aide. There, he “handled Financial Services Committee affairs for our office, and did legal work on taxation, Government Sponsored Entities (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac), FDIC bank oversight rules and FDA regulation,” Rob said.
 
“During that time, my favorite project was preparing a 12-minute PowerPoint presentation on the debt crisis for Congressman Posey’s website,” Rob said.  “It proved invaluable during the Continuing Budget/Government shutdown debate in April and the debt ceiling battle this August.”

During his college years at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, Rob interned for the U.S. State Department and at the Jesuit Refugee Service when not working on his political science degree.  

Rob went onto graduate from: Loyola University of Chicago with a M.A. in Philosophy and Theology; Seton Hall Law School with a J.D.; and, New York University School of Law with a LL.M. in Taxation.

Rob suggests LI training for all conservatives: “I speak to countless people, both students and long-term career folks, who want to get a start in Washington.  I can think of no place better than LI to get the skills you need for the road ahead.”

LI is offering the Conservative Career Workshop November 15-16, similar to the Capitol Hill Staff Training School that Rob took last year.  Register now to reserve your spot.

To nominate a Leadership Institute graduate you know to be featured as LI's graduate of the week, please contact LI's External Affairs Officer Lauren Hart at LaurenHart@LeadershipInstitute.org.