How to Get a Job As a Legislative Aide

Legislative aides can work in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Legislative aides work closely with representatives and senators in both state and federal governments to help them with day-to-day tasks and simple responsibilities. They often handle incoming phone calls and requests for information, and they may research upcoming bills and analyze them for details important to their legislator. Legislative aides can play a critical role in helping their legislator run for re-election and stay up-to-date on current issues.

Instructions

Becoming a Legislative Aide

1. Get involved with student government in high school or college. Running for class president or another office can give you experience and an edge over other candidates for a legislative aide position. Some high schools and colleges also have organizations that help students get involved in political issues. Groups such as College Republicans and Young Democrats can get you involved with a specific political party. Other organizations such as the Associated Students of the University of Missouri teach students the basic of the political process as it pertains to educational issues as well as the big picture.

2. Obtain a bachelor's degree in political science or pre-law. These types of degrees offer the experience legislator offices look for. A law degree or other advanced degree can help even more, but you only need a bachelor's degree for most aide positions.

3. Hone your interviewing skills as they relate to a legislative aide position. Research the representative or senator you want to work for well to learn as much as you can about their district and political stance. Also research your home district politicians; this will demonstrate that you're passionate about politics and will be an educated team member. Focus on demonstrating the ability to solve problems and take initiative.

4. Offer to work as an unpaid intern for your legislator of choice. This can get you in the door and give you a chance to show the legislator's office that you can be an asset to the senator or representative.

5. Help a new legislator run for office. Legislators often give key positions to those who helped them get into office, so you might have an advantage when applying to become a legislative aide if you've been active in the legislator's campaign.

6. Apply with a legislator in your state or federal district or apply to a legislator who agrees with your political positions. The enthusiasm for your home area or issues will show and is what a legislator's office looks for in legislative aide candidates.

7. Submit your application and credentials to multiple legislators if your first choice doesn't work out. Persistence is key when trying to break in to the political field as a legislative aide.

Tips & Warnings

• A legislative aide does not have job security; you'll typically lose the job when the legislator is voted out of office.

References

• University of California-Berkley Career Center: How to Get a Job in Politcs
• A Total Waste: How to Get a Job on Capital Hill
• Career Questions: Legislative Assistant
• University of Missouri System: The Associated Students of the University of Missouri