A political campaign is a short-term operation organized to support the election of a candidate or passage of a ballot initiative. Every two years (a “cycle”), thousands of campaigns are organized nationwide. These can range from local to national, and from small operations of two or three paid staffers to huge congressional and presidential campaigns with hundreds of paid and volunteer employees and consultants.
The work of a political campaign offers prospective staffers a fast-paced and flexible opportunity to develop a wide array of professional skills. It also provides a unique insight into the electoral process and the cares and concerns of elected officials and the American public. For these reasons, working on a political campaign is often seen as an excellent career launchpad for those interested in government service.
As you consider whether to work on a political campaign, first take stock of your career goals and the credentials and experience needed to reach them. Then determine which policy positions and ideas you want to advance, as well as with which political party, if any, you wish to affiliate.
It is also important to consider your own tolerance for the demanding nature of a political campaign. Most staffers on a political campaign must be jacks-of-all-trades, and may be called upon to perform tasks outside of their comfort zone. This can lead to high stress levels and burnout. If you are unsure about your suitability for this type of work, consider volunteering or interning to get a sense of the demands and requirements.
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