A political campaign is an effort to elect a candidate or pass a ballot initiative. These campaigns can vary in length, ranging from a few months to over two years. They can also range in size, from small, local operations of a few volunteers and paid staffers to large, national operations with hundreds of paid staff members and volunteers.
The purpose of a political campaign is to convince voters that the endorsed candidate or ballot initiative will make a positive difference in their lives. The candidates’ messages typically include several policy issues. To gauge support, the candidates might go door to door or have a stand in a public place (called canvassing) and talk with residents. They might also take part in debates with other candidates in their district (called hustings).
Working on a political campaign is not for everyone, but it can be an excellent way to gain experience and learn about the politics and processes of government. The largely non-substantive nature of most campaign work doesn’t necessarily provide ideal preparation for more substantive policy positions in government or elsewhere, but the skills learned on a political campaign could be valuable in other policy-adjacent fields such as lobbying, consulting, and issue advocacy.
Finding a job on a political campaign is not easy and often depends on having inside connections. The most coveted jobs are those that oversee the entire campaign, and these tend to be more senior roles with greater responsibilities and higher pay. If you have a personal connection to someone who works on a campaign, they will likely put in a good word for you. Alternatively, you can reach out to alumni who have worked on campaigns in the past and ask them for help.
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