Berman started at ABC News as a desk assistant working the overnight shift in 1995.

CNN: CNN Profiles - John Berman - Co-Anchor

Born in Iran and raised in England, Amanpour came to the U.S. to study at the University of Rhode Island and in 1983 began work as a desk assistant at CNN, where she would remain for 27 years.

WSJ: Christiane Amanpour

Above Mr. Volcker's assistant's desk, there's an image of a fish wrapped in The Wall Street Journal.

WSJ: Senior Advisers: Two Old Friends Talk Fishing, Finance

There's nothing on his desk, just a plant his assistant sneaked in, a travel itinerary and a chicken burrito.

FORBES: Magazine Article

My mom, who is writing a memoir based on letters her dad sent back from WWII, works at the same roll-top desk my dad first used as an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota in the 1980s.

FORBES: Authentic Connections and Growing Your Creative Confidence

This breaking issue has the potential to be one of the first to arrive on the desk of the occupant of a newly created position at the White House -- the Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economics -- intended to report jointly to National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice and Economic Advisor to the President Lawrence Lindsay.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Only then do I go back to my desk and dispatch answers on the emailed emergencies, either taking care of them or delegating to my wonderful and capable assistant.

FORBES: Protecting Your Creative Energy