Preparing, Building and Grooming
By Angela M. Cranon, M.A.
Ever think about a career in politics? If so, this is the best time to begin your campaign for such a job. The political environment is uncertain because two very different candidates are running to become the President of the United States, but what is clear is that there will be new jobs to fill as the Obama Administration exits and a new group of followers become appointed by the incoming President to serve at least for the next four years.
There are so many opportunities to work in politics that go beyond being a political official. In addition to openings that will eventually be filled in the Presidential Cabinet and administration, check out this list of political job opportunities that are more reachable:
| Electioneering | Advocacy | Public Service |
| Campaign Manager | Lobbyist | Community Service |
| Field Organizer | Event Planner | Public Relations Specialist |
| Polling | PAC Manager | Community Organizer |
| Advertising Consultant | Communications Director | Public Affairs Specialist |
| Convention Manager | Membership Coordinator | Professor |
| Delegate Hunter | Internet Strategist | |
| Press Secretary | Policy Researcher | |
| Targeting | Issue Analyst | |
| Social Network Coordinator | Blogger |
Source: https://gspm.gwu.edu/sites/gspm.gwu.edu/files/downloads/careersebook.pdf
Several different degrees qualify a person to work for the government. Some of the most popular four to six-year degrees include Political Science, Public Relations, Public Administration, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Health, and Public Policy. A master’s degree for most of these positions is desirable, but not always necessary. However, the more education one acquires, the potential for a higher salary is greater.
| Profession | Starting Salary | Desirable Degree |
| Public Administration | $58,000 | Master’s |
| International Relations | $49,000 | Master’s |
| Business Administration | $68,000 | MBA |
| Economics | $66,000 | Master’s |
| Political Science | $60,000 | Master’s |
| Public Health | $59,000 | Bachelor’s |
| Public Policy | $53,000 | Bachelor’s |
| Stenographer | $115,000 | Bachelor’s + |
| Press Secretary | $150,000 | Bachelor’s + |
| Calligrapher | $86,000 | Bachelor’s + |
| Foreign Policy | $68,000 | Master’s |
| President of the United States | $400,000 | Bachelor’s or Law |
These salaries can lead to six- to seven-figure earnings per year, depending on work experience and length of time in the business. Many of these degrees could land a government job with the United States Foreign Service, the Treasury Department, The White House’s Office of Management and Budget, the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service, and the public sector. High-profile political jobs can be secured in the White House, on Capitol Hill, or with a state or local government entity.
Simple Google searches using key words like government jobs, federal government jobs, jobs in the White House, jobs on Capitol Hill, city government jobs, and other similar terms will lead to employment opportunities, job information, and applications. Some of the more popular websites include:
- USAJOBS.com (The White House)
- California Government Jobs
- Young Professionals in Foreign Policy
- Government Jobs
- Federal Jobs
- OpaJobs – Capitol Hill
- City Job Info
- LA City Boards & Commissions
- LA Clerk Contributor PDF
The key is to be ready when the door to that perfect political career opens. Aside from earning a college degree(s), it is highly recommended to intern at these locations to network, make contacts, and build connections. As with most employment, it is who you know. However, what you know will be a major plus as well.
Age is not a factor because both the young, vibrant college graduate has a place in politics just as much as the more matured, experienced adult because the range of requirements is unlimited.
If there is an interest in politics early on in a career, the resume should emphasize public service and volunteer work. During elections, working on a campaign, directly with a local politician, or even at the voting polls is encouraged to enhance a resume. Being active on a college campus is also a great start.
For those who want to change careers and go into politics, run for a city office or a political position within local government. Some of these jobs go unchallenged and the incumbent wins repeatedly because there are no opponents. The top city positions include:
- Mayor
- City Council
- Council Committees
- City Attorney
- City Controller
- Various Commissioner positions (e.g., Commission on Disability, Fire Commission, Human Relations Commission, Innovation and Performance Commission)
Each of these has a board led by civilians and, in some cases, a director who has term limits.
The list to have a career in politics is limitless, but the key is to prepare, build, and be well-groomed for the many opportunities by being educated and degreed. Almost all degrees fit directly into some aspect of government.
Search for specific qualifications to match that dream job in politics.
