Alabama native coauthors book for aspiring politicos

For young people seeking careers in public service or politics, it is often the lessons learned outside of the classroom that make the difference between success and failure. Now, one Alabama native is providing a guide to help aspiring politicos find their way.

Amos Snead, a graduate of Cherokee County High School and the University of Montevallo, now lives in Washington, D.C., where he has served on the staff of several influential members of Congress.

After his time in the public sector, he transitioned into a career in public relations work.  Snead has counted corporate and political titans across the United States as his clients. He also regularly appears as a contributor on Fox News and and is the co-founder of the popular media company FamousDC.

After hearing that Snead, a Republican, and Jaime Harrison, a Democrat from South Carolina, came together to write “Climbing the Hill,” Yellowhammer News spent a few minutes with Snead to discuss the new book.

1). How did growing up in Alabama prepare you for a career in Washington, D.C.?

I grew up in Northeast Alabama and attended Cherokee County High School. I spent my childhood watching my dad and my granddaddy talk to literally everyone who came by his country store and our family fireworks stand, Famous Amos Fireworks. My granddaddy taught me to talk to everyone and find something in common with them. When I moved to Washington, D.C. those skills proved very useful on Capitol Hill.

Washington is a city that runs on information and relationships. Having friendships throughout our nation’s capital city is something that continues to prove very helpful.

2). If you had to boil it down to an elevator pitch, what advice would you give to young people interested in a career in D.C.?

One of the lessons we try to communicate in our book is that everyone is watching you and your work. Even when you’re beginning your career, your superiors and colleagues are forming opinions about you based on your attitude and work deliverables.

3). Alabama is said to have one of the largest D.C. networks as a state. Can you speak to that?

I’m not sure if Alabama has the largest network in Washington, but it does have one of the strongest networks that separates it from other states across the US. Regardless of where you’re from in Alabama (or where you went to school), as soon as you get to Washington, there is a network ready to help you and guide your career.

4). Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about the book?

Jaime and I were able to climb from Alabama and South Carolina (respectively) into big jobs on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. We wrote this book to hopefully help the next generation follow their dreams and try to #DoBigThings [Shameless book pitch — “Climbing the Hill” is a great holiday gift for students with an interest in politics].

Amazon’s book guide highlights “Climbing the Hill” as “[i]nspiring, nonpartisan insider’s advice on how anyone can build a career in local, state, and national government, from two rising stars in Washington government and policy.”

“This inspiring, nonpartisan guide, written by longtime staff members of Republican and Democratic house leadership teams provides all the hard-won secrets and strategies you need to build a career in local politics or Congress, make a difference, and ascend from an internship to leadership. With practical tips on how to not only land a job but also create the foundation for a lasting and impactful career in public service, this guide will empower anyone who feels the urge to improve this country with meaningful work,” Amazon details.

You can find the book here. Paperback, Kindle and Audiobook versions are currently being sold, and shipping options are still available to get it to you in plenty of time for Christmas.

Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn