How to Get Legislative Experience
As of August 5, 2011, Congress has already introduced 4,288 new bills for the year. Politicians can't possibly do all of the researching and writing that's involved in introducing new legislation. That's why they hire staffers: to help with research, writing and administrative duties. According to the "Vault Guide to Capitol Hill Careers," the average size of a Senate office staff is 35, with about 23 of them working in the District of Columbia and the rest in local district offices. Legislative workers may find jobs in Washington, their state's capital or their legislator's district.
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Instructions
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Prepare yourself financially for unpaid internship work. Beginning positions in the legislative office are usually unpaid. Even if you get promoted to the level of assistant, this doesn't occur until you've first proven your worth for several months as an unpaid intern.
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Gain administrative experience in the private sector to secure your first legislative internship. Working in a legislator's office involves administrative duties, and the work must be done quickly. Administrative duties include answering telephones, responding to letters and finding information requested by constituents. These are skills that may be built in a private sector position to help you build up your credentials as an administrative professional.
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Obtain a college degree. A bachelor's degree in prelaw, communication or political science helps your chances at securing a legislative internship. Directors and administrative assistants usually have advanced degrees in government, law or public policy. An advanced law degree helps you climb the ranks to legislative assistant and, eventually, chief of staff or office attorney.
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Find an elected official you want to work for as a legislative staff member. Choose a politician with whom you share a number of political positions so that you'll be passionate about the work, which requires long hours and little or no pay. If you're not willing to relocate to Washington, consider gaining experience in the office of a politician in your local district.
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Learn about the specific issues that relate to the senator or representative for whom you want to work. Knowing the basic facts about the issues and the politician's positions go a long way in the job interview. This information may usually be found on the politician's official website.
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Impress the interviewer by showing your knowledge and passion for the issues important to the politician and his office. Because you don't have previous experience working in a legislative office, you must convince the interviewer that you're interested in the issues and willing to dedicate yourself to the work.
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References
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