School to Career - State Senate Staff - Director of Legislative Affairs


		Her Role
		What You Need to Know
		Internships
		Typical Day
		Constituent Correspondence
		Legislative Resolution

The Director of Legislative Affairs does research to develop and move state and local legislation through the legislative process. This is a very important role in politics and requires paying close attention to various political issues.

Kelly A McCready handles this job for Senator Skelos, briefing him on key issues that impact upon Nassau County constituents. In addition she communicates with, and assists, constituents when they are dealing with issues such as retirement, energy problems, housing or childcare.

Political Science & History

Kelly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a concentration in Law and Society. She then proceeded to earn a Master’s Degree in History and Political Science with a concentration on United States Politics. "My education coupled with my strong community involvement and personal political interests made a great foundation for my career in policy making," explains Kelly, who also adds that courses in government, law and the courts were most valuable.

Along with a strong educational background, Kelly gained practical experience while on a legislative internship with a private legislative bill tracking organization. "The internship allowed me to attend senate and assembly committee meetings and sessions to record votes and bring them back to the office to input them into the bill tracking service," explains Kelly, who also gained experience volunteering on political campaigns.

In addition to education and experience, it helps immensely to have strong research, writing, organizational and communication skills. Working well under pressure, having an open mind and a passion for important issues also bodes well for this type of position. "Complete honesty, integrity and trustworthiness are all a must when representing a government official," adds Kelly.

Inspired By Her Grandfather

"I was always interested in policies and the law," says Kelly McCready, whose paternal grandfather was an attorney, county district attorney and a state assemblyman. "In addition one of my professors was actively involved in local politics and she was a big inspiration as well. In fact, she inspired me to also become an adjunct professor at a local college, where I teach political science courses," she adds.

Kelly was persistent about working in politics. In fact, she sent her resume to the entire state majority before receiving callbacks from two senators, one of which was Senator Skelos. She takes great pride in her accomplishments, which include the development of legislation policy that eventually becomes law. "My favorite issues are in the area of child protection, which encompasses missing children and the supervision of convicted sex offenders," says Kelly, who suggests that anyone who wants to venture into such a political position, should take an interest in current events and the laws and issues that shape everyday society.