A political campaign provides an excellent entry point for young people to develop their professional skills, earn meaningful experience in a relatively short period of time and gain exposure to politics on the ground. However, it is not a good fit for everyone. Before taking on this type of work, it is critical for prospective staffers to understand the practical realities, advantages and limitations, as well as how this sort of work may or may not fit into their broader career ambitions.
Candidates and campaigns hire a wide range of positions, from entry-level field, advance and fundraising jobs to specialized roles such as research, policy and communications. Unlike government-side positions, which typically have a formal application and hiring process, most campaign jobs are filled through informal means, including networking, references and relationships with existing staff members.
As the number of campaigns grows, so too does the demand for skilled staff. Consequently, it is increasingly common for campaign staff to move between campaigns on a regular basis. It is also possible for junior staff on a losing primary campaign to be hired into the senior team of the winner, which can be beneficial to long-term career goals.
Getting a job on a campaign can be challenging, particularly for those without connections in the field. However, there are many ways to connect with political campaigns, and these should always be explored in addition to traditional methods of finding a job, such as online job boards or job fairs. A useful place to start can be a college or law school alumni association, or student groups with partisan political affiliations.
About the Author
