Jonah Patel
Political campaign internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the world of politics. They are usually taken up by students in high school or college who are interested in government or policy work. Interns can expect to gain valuable organizing skills, learn about electoral politics, and make connections that can lead to future opportunities. The work involves a lot of fieldwork, including direct voter contact through door-knocking and phone banking, as well as social media and communications work. Interns may also be involved in campaign fundraising, which can provide broader exposure to different organizations and people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working hours | 4 to 8 hours a day |
| Work type | Field work, door knocking, phone banking, social media/communications work, staffing the candidate, database work, campaign fundraising |
| Internship type | Paid or unpaid |
| Internship opportunities | Volunteer opportunities, unpaid internships, paid internships |
| Internship locations | Remote, Washington, DC, Seattle, Oakland, CA, Orange County, CA |
| Internship duration | 15-30 hours/week |
| Internship start date | Summer 2024 |
| Internship application process | Resume, cover letter, email |
| Internship benefits | Gain hands-on experience, valuable organizing skills, build networks, learn about electoral politics, make life-long connections |
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What You'll Learn
Voter outreach and field work
In addition to phone banking and canvassing, interns can also be involved in organizing house parties, reaching out to political organizations, and maintaining the candidate's web presence through blogging or social media management. They may also assist with more administrative tasks, such as records maintenance, office administration, and compliance reporting.
For those with a knack for research and writing, voter outreach may involve providing voters with unbiased information by researching and collecting data on candidates and their issue positions. This ensures voters can make informed decisions, especially in an age of "fake news" and political spin. Interns can also assist in long-term research, often opposition or legal research, which is highly valued by campaign staffs.
Through these voter outreach and field work experiences, interns gain valuable skills in organization, communication, and database management. They also develop a deeper understanding of the campaign's strategy and the importance of targeting specific voter groups, contributing to the campaign's overall success.
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Campaign fundraising
Building Connections
Gaining Experience
Fundraising responsibilities allow interns to gain hands-on experience in the world of politics. They learn about the financial aspects of campaigns, including compliance and analytics. Interns may work with compliance associates, gaining insight into campaign finance regulations and data analytics processes. This knowledge will equip them to tackle the financial challenges inherent in political campaigns.
Creative Strategy
Interns can contribute to brainstorming and implementing creative strategies for fundraising campaigns. They may be involved in developing digital and traditional communications, messaging campaigns, and grassroots initiatives. This involves creating content, utilising social media platforms, and potentially designing graphics. Interns can leverage their creativity and strategic thinking skills to make a meaningful impact on the campaign's financial goals.
Grassroots Support
Fundraising interns often engage in grassroots efforts to build support for the campaign. This includes direct voter contact through door-knocking, phone banking, and social media interactions. By connecting with voters and organising volunteers, interns can cultivate relationships that translate into financial contributions. These grassroots activities are essential for generating momentum and financial backing for the campaign.
Administrative Tasks
Fundraising interns also support the campaign through various administrative tasks. They may be tasked with event coordination, research, and project management. This includes organising campaign assets, supporting cross-functional initiatives, and handling special projects assigned by the campaign director. These behind-the-scenes responsibilities ensure the smooth operation of the campaign and contribute to its overall success.
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Social media and communications
Communications interns will work directly with the communications and marketing teams. They may also be involved in event coordination and public relations, such as press conferences and rallies. A key aspect of this role is building strong working relationships with the media. This may include setting up interviews, writing copy for the campaign website, and creating press kits.
Interns can expect to be given regular tasks and small special projects. They may also be involved in broader campaign strategy and analytics. Interns will gain valuable transferable skills and confidence, as well as the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
Large campaigns, such as presidential and state-wide campaigns, usually offer department-specific internships, which can include communications. Interns on these large campaigns are typically well-versed in their departments and gain skills that equip them for future roles.
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Building a network
Political campaign internships are a great way to build a network of professional and personal connections. Working on a campaign provides an opportunity to meet and collaborate with like-minded individuals, including campaign operatives, volunteers, and other interns. These connections can lead to future job opportunities and enhance your resume.
To maximize your network-building potential, consider the following strategies:
- Get Involved in Campaign Fundraising: Fundraising events provide an opportunity to interact with the candidate and build relationships with other campaign members. It is a great way to gain broader exposure to different organizations and people.
- Volunteer and Attend Political Events: Volunteering for a campaign or attending political events can help you meet people and demonstrate your commitment to the cause. Look for volunteer opportunities on the campaign candidate's website or through organizations like College Republicans or libertarian networks.
- Utilize Social Media: Social media platforms are powerful tools for networking. Engage with political campaigns and individuals you admire on social media. Participate in discussions, share relevant content, and reach out to connect with people in your industry.
- Reach Out to Professionals: Don't be afraid to reach out to professionals in the political realm. Send emails or connect through LinkedIn to introduce yourself and express your interest in their work. Many professionals are willing to offer advice or even mentorship.
- Join Political Organizations: Become an active member of political organizations, such as College Republicans or libertarian networks. These organizations often host events and provide networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.
- Build Relationships with Fellow Interns: The interns you work alongside during your internship can become valuable connections. Collaborate, share ideas, and forge strong working relationships with them. You never know when your paths may cross again in the future.
Remember, building a network is about cultivating meaningful relationships and adding value wherever you can. Be proactive, enthusiastic, and open to learning from others. These connections you make during your political campaign internship can have a significant impact on your future career path.
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Research and analytics
- Reviewing campaign analytics: This involves analysing data and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaign strategies. By reviewing analytics, interns can identify areas of improvement and help brainstorm new approaches. This includes learning about industry data and analytics processes and understanding how data drives decision-making.
- Voter outreach: Interns play a crucial role in connecting with voters and understanding their needs and concerns. This may involve door-knocking, phone banking, and interacting directly with voters. By gathering feedback and insights from voters, interns can inform the campaign's messaging and strategies.
- Issue research: Political campaigns often focus on specific issues or policy areas. Interns may be tasked with researching these issues, analysing policies, and providing insights to the campaign team. This includes staying up-to-date on current affairs and understanding the political landscape.
- Grassroots support: Building grassroots support is essential for many campaigns. Interns may engage in grassroots efforts by organising events, coordinating volunteers, and utilising digital tools to spread the campaign message. This involves hands-on experience in mobilising communities and building support for the candidate.
- Social media campaigns: With the growing influence of social media, interns may be involved in planning and executing social media campaigns. This includes creating content, utilising digital platforms, and engaging with followers to expand the campaign's reach, especially in the case of remote internships.
- Administrative tasks: Interns often provide administrative support to the campaign team. This may include organising campaign assets, managing databases, and assisting with special projects. Such tasks provide interns with an understanding of the day-to-day operations of a political campaign.
By engaging in research and analytics, political campaign interns contribute valuable insights that shape the campaign's direction. This hands-on experience allows interns to develop critical thinking, communication, and organisational skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the political process.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the tasks that a political campaign intern may be expected to do include field work, such as door-knocking and phone banking, as well as social media/communications work, staffing the candidate, and database work. Interns may also be involved in campaign planning, research, and administrative tasks.
Being a political campaign intern can provide valuable organizing skills, knowledge of electoral politics, and lifelong connections. It can also serve as a stepping stone to future opportunities, providing experience and contacts that can help with career advancement.
Qualifications for becoming a political campaign intern vary, but often include being a student in high school or college. Some internships may prefer applicants with a degree or experience in a related field, such as public health, marketing, political science, journalism, or communications.
To increase your chances of getting a political campaign internship, it is recommended to have a strong resume and cover letter. It is also beneficial to reach out to a variety of campaigns, from local to well-known, as this can increase your chances of finding an opportunity that matches your interests and skills. Networking and building relationships can also be helpful when seeking internship opportunities.
