Barrett Marson is the director of communications for the Arizona House of Representatives

What was your first job?
Scooping ice cream at Thrifty’s as a teen-ager in Anaheim.
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
Aside from scooping ice cream for bratty teens, I haven’t had any jobs that I disliked. They have all helped me reach this place in my life.
What piece of advice would you give to those who wish to pursue a career in the public sector?
You have to be committed to serving the policy-makers you work for and enjoy working with them because of the hours you put in and the sense of team that is developed.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of this job is working with my former colleagues in the press corps who challenge me daily. They rarely let me get away with a lazy moment. They are sometimes relentless and aggressive and skirmishing with them is a very rewarding aspect of this job.
What is the most difficult part of your job?
Trying to reach the largest audience possible with the message the House Republicans want to deliver. That can be a challenge. Sometimes good policy gets lost in the typical, ‘he said, she said’ confrontations that the media tends to focus on.
Any tips on handling pushy press people?
Well, there are two ways to mollify a press corps out for blood: Free food and good humour.
What best prepared you for being a public information officer?
Sitting next to Howie Fischer for the better part of three years was some of the best training for a reporter, and it was free.
Colleges don’t provide the type of learning one can reap from Howie on a daily basis. Sitting next to him also helped me prepare for this job as well. And that would be how to avoid reporters like Howie.