Featured Alumni

Bradford Swann, Jr.

How did you break into the profession? What made you choose that career path?
While a junior in college, I had lunch with the retired VP of Government Affairs for Coca Cola. The stories he told me about working on the Hill were incredible, and I knew at that very moment that I wanted to give it a try. That was almost seven years ago and I'm still here today — enjoying every minute! I eventually chose to leave my position in the Senate for my current job with Governor Sonny Perdue because it was a great middle ground. I now get to experience advocating on a federal level while at the same time still continuing to work for the State I love.

What are some common misconceptions about your job?
We are non-partisan. Our Washington office's main job is to advocate for the state's best interest, regardless of party politics.

Do you have any anecdotes or funny stories about things that have happened in your professional life?
Yes, thousands of great stories. That's why I enjoy what I do! One particular story that comes to mind was a night several years ago when my personal cell phone rang and I, assuming it was my wife, answered, "Hey baby." Turns out is wasn't my wife, rather the US Senator I worked for at the time! Needless to say, he was just as surprised as me, although I don't know if he was as embarrassed! I guess the moral of the story is don't always assume you know who is on the other end of the line.

What is the importance of integrity and trust in your day-to-day work interactions?
It's everything, especially when you work on both sides of the isle. Bryce Harlow once said something to the effect of, "Without trust and honesty in Washington, you're nothing and you'll never get anything done." I couldn't agree more! In the world of politics where things change by the minute, people have to trust you if you want to get anything done.

How did being a Bryce Harlow Fellow (fellowship, connections, mentoring, etc.) assist in your graduate studies? In the professional world?
Of course, the entire program has been a tremendous help. Most important to me, though, would probably be the mentoring. When debating if I should leave the Senate, I relied heavily on my mentor as a sounding board and this was critical to my decision making process. Honestly, his assistance and availability throughout the whole "job change" were absolutely vital and I can't imagine having gone through everything so easily without his aid!

What is some advice that you can offer students just starting out on their careers in advocacy? What did you wish you would have known? What should they make sure to learn?
To someone just starting out, I'd say get to know the Hill — its buildings, its operations and its people. Also remember, as my old boss would say, "Everyone is either a friend or a future friend." It sounds cheesy, but is true. In DC, at one point or another, you're going to need everyone's help. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely have paid a little more attention in Political Science 101. Having graduated from college with a degree in business, I was definitely drinking water from a fire hose my first couple of months in Washington.

What do you like about living in DC? What are your favorite things to do? Things that shouldn't be missed?
We love DC. It's an amazing city and close to so many great things. Aside from all the traditional museums, etc, my "must do" list would include: trying the oysters at Old Ebbitt Grill, playing one round of Golf at Hains Point (it's an unofficial DC landmark in my book) and taking a night tour of the Monuments. They're amazing!