How to Get a Job in Politics

If you're passionate about social, economic, environmental and/or global issues and want to be a part of the team that helps define how these issues impact the voting public, you might be a good match for a career in politics. These can range anywhere from working on a local campaign, being an intern or staffer for an elected official or perhaps even running for office yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify what makes you the most politically passionate. This can be a neighborhood issue (i.e., the need for more streetlights at busy intersections), a city problem (i.e., an increase in gang violence), or perhaps state/federal legislation (i.e., legalizing gay marriage).

2. Research the issue in depth by familiarizing yourself with media coverage (including magazines such as Time, The Economist, US News & World Report), political talk shows, Internet chat rooms and blogs.

3. Take political science classes at your local university. If you are just starting college, plan your major around political science, administrative law, or journalism. While you won't need a degree for volunteer campaign work, a higher education degree will be mandatory if you want to work for politicians or lobbyists.

4. Relocate (if need be) where the action is. If your passion for politics goes beyond your immediate neighborhood, your best source for an internship or full-time job will be in major cities, particularly if they are also state capitals. If you'd rather stay where you are, you will be dealing with city and county decision-makers, as well as regional chapters of major political coalitions.

5. Make yourself known as a responsible volunteer during election events. Although you're not going to get any money for walking precincts, stuffing envelopes, making phone calls to get out the vote, or enthusiastically showing up at rallies, your energy and reliability won't go unnoticed by campaign organizers. Don't be shy about asking for more responsibility. The more visible you are as a dedicated team player, the greater likelihood you will be favorably singled out.

6. Research the backgrounds and policy platforms of elected officials you think you would like to work for. A lot of this information can be found on their web pages as well as gleaned from interviews they give to the press. Likewise, you should familiarize yourself with their voting records on the issues that you're passionate about.

7. Introduce yourself with a well-crafted letter that compliments them on their work, briefly addresses your background and experience in the political sector, and queries whether they currently have any openings on their staff. Emphasize your ability to take initiative, to research problems, and to work as a team player.

8. Build your portfolio by writing articles and submitting them to magazines, newspapers, and political trade journals. Hone your public speaking skills and confidence by joining organizations such as Toastmasters.

9. Apply for jobs in city, county, state and federal government. Employment opportunities will be listed on their respective websites. Some of the best opportunities for advancing your political career will be found in offices that work directly with the media, that initiate public policy, and that implement recently enacted legislation.

10. Apply for jobs with labor unions and advocacy organizations. These are powerful groups that strive to influence legislation and election outcomes. Lobbyists also play a key role in helping to initiate and regulate laws and policies that impact their clients' constituencies. If you can demonstrate knowledge of and passion for the issues on their plate, you will better your chances of being invited to help them do their jobs. They can further be instrumental in introducing you to individuals who can further your career.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your introductory letter short and to the point. If it is a longer than one typed page, you're probably rambling and will come across as unfocused.

• If you go to a politician or lobbyist's office in person, always be polite to the individual at the front desk. Memorize the names of everyone who helps you. Always follow up with a thank-you letter. (So few job candidates bother to do this anymore that yours will stand out.)

• State officials and those on Capitol Hill not only have offices in their primary city of business but also in their home districts.

• Don't be overzealous in your expectations of a first-time job with an elected official. As glamorous as it sounds to script your life as an episode straight out of "The West Wing" and become a legislative aide from the get-go, the reality is that you will probably start on a bottom rung and only work your way up by outlasting the competition.

Resources

• Political Jobs
• Political Jobs
• Database of Lobbyists
• Lobbying Jobs
• Opportunities in Public Affairs