KW: What was your career path after Wabash?
SC: While at Wabash I applied and was honored to be chosen for the Governor’s Fellowship, a 1-year training opportunity in state government post graduation. During my time as a Governor’s Fellow, I applied and was accepted to the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. There, I went to class in the evening year-round for the next four years. During this time, I took a position in the Indiana Attorney General’s office doing work in communication and marketing. After a year and a half, I moved to then- Governor Bayh’s staff to serve as his Assistant Press Secretary. When the late Frank O’Bannon was elected into office, I was asked to stay on as the Director of Communication. In this capacity I was tasked with handling all of the governor’s events along with marketing his message to his constituency. After spending six years in with the Governor’s office, I was tapped to serve in Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson’s administration overseeing the Mayor’s entire communications platform. Today, I serve the City of Indianapolis as Deputy Mayor, where I oversee the Mayor’s public outreach, media relations, and event planning, along with neighborhood services. I get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from personally keeping in touch with our constituency.
KW: What advice can you give a student who is seeking a position in public office?
SC:Above all else, get an internship! This is the best training you can receive and a great way to really learn about what you’re getting into. While at Wabash, I interned with the Indiana Secretary of State and with the Indiana Commission on Public Records. These were extremely enriching experiences. I was able to establish contacts at many levels, which is somewhat of a prerequisite of taking a job in state government. Additionally, I would advise students to get involved early with a political campaign on any level. Whether it’s stuffing envelopes or going to door-to-door, you’ll really be able to confirm whether or not this is something you want to do.
KW: What was your experience at Wabash like?
SC: I graduated with a degree in political science and it has served me well during my career. While at Wabash, I wrote for the Batchelor and served as Editor for one year. I am an alumnus of Phi Gamma Delta, otherwise known as FIJI. Fraternity life really trained me well; it was an important lesson in self-government. No one was there looking after us, and it took a great deal of responsibility to make everything run smoothly.
In Wabash,
Krzysztof "Chris" Wojciehowski
