A political campaign is the organized effort to secure a majority (or sometimes just a plurality) of votes for a candidate or ballot initiative. The campaigns are often powered by large groups of volunteers who are passionate about a specific cause or candidate. The work can be very demanding and exhausting but it also provides a valuable opportunity to build professional skills in a high-speed and highly flexible environment.
Campaign jobs provide a wide variety of experience, and most positions are well-suited to a diverse range of career goals and skill sets. Staffers typically take on a mix of project management, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and voter engagement programs. The roles usually require long hours and can be emotionally and socially draining.
The largely non-substantive nature of most campaigns means that there is very little room for policy work on most campaigns, although there are opportunities for policy-focused people on presidential and gubernatorial campaigns or as part of transition teams. Working on a campaign can still be an excellent way to gain experience and prepare for more substantive policy research in the future, whether at a think tank or in government.
Many campaigns are seeking talented and enthusiastic staffers to support their efforts. In addition to submitting a resume and interviewing, networking can be a valuable strategy for gaining a position on a campaign. Often, a student or early volunteer can parlay a spot on a campaign into a more permanent role later in the cycle if they have demonstrated their commitment.