The Path to Building a Successful Career in the Political Arena
With this year’s upcoming election heating up, many individuals may be feeling compelled to become politically active. However, not everyone may be interested in running for office themselves. The good news is that there are numerous roles within the political arena where individuals can make a significant impact without holding political office. In this article, we will explore several career paths that can lead to success in the political realm.
One potential career path is that of a campaign manager. Campaigns are known for their long hours and demanding schedules, requiring individuals to work seven days a week, 24/7. According to Patricia Russo, executive director of the Campaign School at Yale University, being a campaign manager can be exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. It is important for aspiring campaign managers to understand and appreciate the commitment required for this role. Mandatory skills for campaign managers include being organized, able to delegate tasks effectively, and being a good listener. Starting out on a local campaign can be a great way to gain experience and work your way up in the field. While part-time jobs on campaigns may be low paying, there is potential for growth and higher wages as you progress in your career.
Another career path to consider is that of a policy analyst. Corporations and think tanks often hire policy analysts to provide analysis on the political and economic stability of countries or specific policies. To excel in this role, individuals need strong analytical skills, and a degree in math, economics, or political science may open doors to opportunities in this field. According to Salary.com, the average annual income for policy analysts is $65,300.
For those with strong verbal and written communication skills, a career as a public affairs consultant may be a good fit. Public affairs consultants work with clients such as advocacy groups, labor unions, and businesses to advocate for policy changes. Loren Amor, vice president at strategic communications firm BerlinRosen, describes the role of a public affairs consultant as running political campaigns for clients rather than elected officials. This career path welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, including campaign workers, journalists, and public policy experts. Entry-level annual pay for public affairs consultants in large Manhattan PR firms may range from $50,000 to $70,000.
Polling is another important aspect of the political arena, and becoming a pollster can be a rewarding career path. Pollsters require a basic knowledge of statistics and excellent communication skills. They are responsible for setting up polling systems, asking questions, and interpreting the results. While top pollsters can make a significant amount of money, the average annual income for pollsters is $52,500.
If you have a talent for writing, becoming a speech writer may be the perfect career path for you. Speech writers play a crucial role in campaigns, working in the media department and eventually transitioning to writing speeches for candidates or elected officials. The key to success in this role is being able to write in someone else’s voice and juggle multiple priorities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for technical writers, which includes speech writers, was $79,900 in 2022.
For those interested in working closely with elected officials, becoming a chief of staff can be a rewarding and challenging career choice. The chief of staff acts as the “traffic cop” for the elected official, prioritizing tasks and decisions. Building trust with the elected official is crucial to earning this position, and it often involves working your way up in a campaign. The average annual pay for chief of staff positions is well into the six figures.
Lobbying is another career path within the political arena that offers opportunities to make an impact. Lobbyists build relationships with elected officials and advocate for legislation that aligns with their clients’ interests. Starting at the bottom of a campaign and working up to a government entity can provide valuable knowledge and connections for becoming a lobbyist. The average annual income for lobbyists is approximately $124,700.
Lastly, if you have strong sales skills and enjoy developing relationships, a career as a fundraising director may be a good fit. Fundraising directors are responsible for asking individuals to donate money to campaigns or nonprofits. This role requires the ability to build relationships and persuade others to give. According to Salary.com, deputy online fundraising directors can expect to earn anywhere from $126,600 to $181,000.
As you can see, there are numerous career paths within the political arena that offer opportunities for individuals to make a difference. Whether you’re interested in managing campaigns, analyzing policies, advocating for change, conducting polls, writing speeches, working closely with elected officials, lobbying, or fundraising, there is a role for you. By pursuing these paths and honing your skills, you can pave the way to a successful career in the political arena.
