How to Get Into the Lobbying Field
Lobbyists represent the interests of business, labor unions, civic organizations and other groups in the political process. Using research, persuasion and political contacts, lobbyists strive to persuade state legislators and members of Congress to enact laws and policies favorable to the groups and organizations the lobbyists represent. Lobbying has the potential to be a lucrative profession, with top lobbyists earning more than $100,000 a year. However, becoming a lobbyist requires extensive educational and professional preparation that often includes a graduate-level degree, and a willingness to work long hours in potentially low-paying positions before landing that coveted lobbying job.
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Instructions
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Earn a bachelor's degree. Working as a lobbyist requires political knowledge and public relations skills, so a degree in political science, economics, communications, journalism or public relations is an excellent first step for an aspiring lobbyist.
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Become a news junkie. The best lobbyists invest time in staying current on pressing issues and developments in politics and public policy. This means paying close attention to current events through newspapers, television newscasts, trade journals and other media. In a 2008 article on careers in politics, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that one Washington lobbyist reads several publications daily, and gathers additional information from personal contacts with members of Congress and their staff members.
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Build a network of political contacts. Success in politics depends on who you know and who you get to know. Building a network of political contacts requires time, and a willingness to work in the process. While in college, get involved in college political organizations or the local chapter of one of the major political parties. Volunteer for a political campaign to develop additional contacts that could aid your career.
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Complete an internship. College students interested in lobbying or other political careers often complete internships with legislative or congressional staffs, political consulting organizations or lobbying firms. Because of the importance of networking and personal contacts, internships provide another valuable opportunity to gain practical political experience and meet politically important people. It is important to remember, however, that many political internships are unpaid. However, the experience and networking opportunities could pay great dividends in the long run.
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Earn an advanced degree, such as a master's degree or law degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that many lobbyists have law degrees. Earning a law degree requires three years of law school beyond the college degree. Other lobbyists hold a graduate degree in government, public affairs or public policy, according to the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University.
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Complete specialized training in lobbying skills. Since 2006, the American League of Lobbyists has offered its Lobbying Certificate Program, which combines in-depth training in lobbying and the political process with instruction in the rules and regulations that govern the work of lobbyists. Top lobbying experts teach the program, which the ALL calls the "gold standard" for government relations professionals.
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Apply for and secure your first lobbying job. Interest groups, such as those representing business interests, labor unions, educators and other professions and interests, hire lobbyists to represent their positions in state capitals and the halls of Congress. In addition, many public relations firms which specialize in lobbying hire lobbyists.
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Tips & Warnings
Many lobbyists often start their careers in lower-paying positions as legislative staff members, research assistants or issues analysts before advancing to a professional lobbying job. Many entry-level jobs involve long hours and low pay, according to the BLS.
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