How to Get A Job In Politics
Do you ever find yourself following politics and wondering what it’s like to work behind the scenes of a campaign? Are you the type of person who is always finding new ways to make a difference in your community? Do you catch the political bug? If you’re a political enthusiast like me, election season probably makes you feel excited the way football fans feel about the Super Bowl. Are you thinking about your next move on your career path?
One of the biggest challenges is knowing where to start. Let me give you some specific steps you can take to get a job in politics.
1. Become Qualified
Before starting a career in politics, you must ask yourself if you are genuinely qualified for the job. We all know that politicians and political employees come from a wide range of educational backgrounds. But most will be expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree in political science, law, business, finance, or other relevant fields related to politics.
2. Build Your Network
Politics is no different than any other industry. It’s built on relationships. Attend networking events as much as possible and learn about community concerns and priorities. Reach out to the local branch of your political party of choice and express your interest in getting involved, even ask for open positions. This can help you earn a reputation for being politically active and establish your name in local political circles.
3. Gain experience
To be considered for a position in politics, make sure you gain relevant experience. If you want to pursue a career in this industry, you can gain experience from various avenues, including entry-level jobs. However, one of the most common ways to get political experience is by volunteering. If you want to work in a political environment and witness campaign activities firsthand, reach out to local politicians running for office. Maybe you don’t know this, most campaigns function primarily on the volunteer hours put in by unpaid contributors.
It would be best if you also considered unpaid internships. This kind of opportunity will allow you to gain practical experience by observing and assisting in political activities. Keep in mind that for this position, you will likely need to meet specific criteria that might involve previous work experience, degree program, or even a minimum GPA.
4. Consider Joining a Political Party
Before you think about running for office or pursuing a high-level political position, you may want to choose a party. For this, I strongly recommend extensive research and analyzing what each party stands for. Look at the people in your local party and how they are perceived. Do they have beliefs that align with yours for the most part? Does their platform encourage you to take action? Local party operatives in one part of the state may act totally different than those in others. Look for an overall consistent atmosphere. From that, you can decide to join the one that fits your ideological ideas, shares your values, and can benefit from your input.
Choosing a party can help you achieve your career goals, and you can benefit from all the firsthand experience, knowledge, and professional networking.
5. Get Ready to Work Your Way Up
At first, you might have to accept a position that isn’t quite what you were hoping for, but remember that every step you take is an investment in your long-term career in the Business of Politics. Your first days on a campaign are more likely to involve phone banks, database work, or even knocking on doors. But if you do well, people will notice. On the ground jobs allow you to understand how a campaign works, and prove to your policymaker you are ready for more significant responsibilities.
6. Be persistent
Landing your first job in politics can take time, especially in today’s job market. It is essential to keep working towards your goals even if you are not seeing results right away. Send out applications, and while you wait for responses, continue to expand your network; attend local events, see if there is another volunteer opportunity or take a training course. We all know that looking for the right job can be frustrating at times, but the important thing is never to give up. Continue making calls, sending emails, and applying to everything you feel qualified for, and eventually something good will happen.
I started waving on corners as my family was not politically connected at all! I paid my dues and gained upward mobility. Be patient, listen more than you say and remember to always be seen as part of a solution!