Politics is a broad field that intersects with many areas of society. If you have an interest in politics, there are many potential career paths you can pursue, even if you have no interest in standing for public office. Here are some of the top options to consider.
Government and Public Service Careers
Working in government is one of the most direct ways to have a career in politics. Specific roles include:
• Elected Official – Serve as an elected representative at the local, state, or federal level. Duties include creating/voting on legislation, allocating resources, and serving constituent needs.
• Policy Analyst – Work for a government agency researching and analyzing policies. Make recommendations on new or revised policies.
• Legislative Aide – Assist elected politicians by conducting research, preparing briefing documents, corresponding with constituents, and supporting office operations.
• Government Relations Specialist – Represent businesses, non-profit groups, or other organizations in lobbying government officials and agencies. Advocate for policies favorable to the organization.
Law Careers
The legal profession intersects frequently with politics and policy-making. Careers to consider include:
• Lawyer – Work in a law firm or as in-house counsel for an organization. Litigate court cases, create legal documents, and provide legal advice. Constitutional lawyers in particular deal with political issues.
• Judge – Preside over trials and hearings in local, state, or federal courts. Analyze laws and make legally binding rulings.
• Paralegal – Assist lawyers by investigating facts, researching law, preparing legal documents, and supporting cases.
Political Organizations
Non-profit and advocacy groups provide opportunities to engage in politics and shape policy. Potential roles include:
• Advocacy Director – Lead initiatives and campaigns to advance an organization’s political interests before government bodies. May engage in lobbying.
• Policy Researcher – Study and analyze data to inform an organization’s policy stances and developing political strategies.
• Community Organizer – Recruit, engage, and mobilize the public around a political cause or issue. Lead grassroots initiatives and campaigns.
• Fundraiser – Plan and coordinate an organization’s fundraising efforts through strategies like grant writing, special events, and soliciting donations.
Journalism and Media
Working in media provides an avenue to cover and discuss political issues. Media career paths include:
• Political Journalist – Report on political leaders, elections, policy debates, and more for news outlets. Analyze political events and trends through the media.
• Political Commentator – Provide commentary on politics and current events through media channels like television, radio, newspapers, and websites.
• Social Media Manager – Develop social media content and manage engagement for political figures, organizations, and media outlets.
Study for a Relevant Degree
There are several college degrees that can prepare someone for a career in politics. Common options include political science, public policy, government, and law degrees. These provide foundational knowledge of political systems and processes. Another relevant degree is mass communication, which is ideal if you are looking at political communication careers. This equips students with persuasive messaging and public relations skills crucial for roles in areas like campaigning, advocacy, and political journalism. Degrees in political science, public policy, law, and political communication are all suitable for politics-minded students.
With an interest in politics, your career options are wide and varied. Find the path that best matches your specific passions and talents.