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Ryan Metcalf
USF alumnus making an impact in The White House[09.02.2011]
TAMPA, Fla. -- University of South Florida alumnus Ryan Metcalf has made a name for himself in the world of public policy. He currently works as a senior correspondent analyst in the Office of Presidential Correspondence for the Executive Office of the President in the White House.
Metcalf’s position requires a wide-range of duties, including the production of the President’s 10 daily letters from the American people; directing the President’s request for federal agency assistance in response to constituent correspondence; drafting, editing and producing the President’s messages, proclamations, greetings and personal notes; and managing and developing correspondence to millions of constituent letters.
“Working for the White House is similar to working for any other organization in terms of administrative duties,” Metcalf said. “It requires coordination among many different offices, personalities and interests. The challenge can be figuring out who is who and who needs to know what. Many people think the White House is a very intimate and small niche group of people when in fact it involves many people from many different offices involved in every aspect of supporting the president”
Originally from Lakeland, Fla., Metcalf attended USF from 2005 to 2009 and graduated with a degree in political science. While at USF, he had the opportunity to participate in the Public Policy Internship Program. Metcalf was part of the Tallahassee Internship Program (TIP), where he spent a 60-day period working in the office of Florida State Senator Athenia Joyner. His experience allowed him to work hands-on within the Florida legislative process, where he was able to perform tasks that helped prepare him for a future in politics.
Metcalf said he found the internship experience quite beneficial in preparing him for his career.
“It certainly prepared me for constituent services which are the entry level and most common positions when working for an elected official on any level of government,” Metcalf said. “I was also forced to develop thick skin, which in turn helped me deal with difficult people and situations; whether that is your boss or a constituent. I also learned more about what I don’t want to do more so than what I do want to do, which is a fluid process for me.”
The experience and training gained through participating in the TIP has proven to be valuable to Metcalf in obtaining a career in politics. Both current and prospective students are encouraged to seek out opportunities to obtain the necessary skills to perform successfully in their desired career.
This video gives a glimpse of what Metcalf's office does for the president.
-USF-
Filed under:Arts and Sciences Arts and Sciences Alumni Government and International Affairs Geography, Environment, and Planning Student Success CreditsAuthor: Justin McFatridge Contact: