How to become A Politician

Many dream of becoming president or prime minister, yet few have the talent, skills, and determination to pursue such a career. As Martin Luther King once said, “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus”. A Politician is someone who is active in party politics and has a say in how to run a government. Politicians either hold or seek a position in government. They create, propose, enact, and vote for laws and policies.

• Elected Official
• Legislator

What do Politicians do?

A Politician would typically need to:

• Attend parliamentary sessions to propose, create, pass, and vote for new laws and policies for the betterment of public life; raise any concerns that constituents have expressed so that relevant ministers can take action to resolve them; debate issues and raise queries
• Propose budget plans and the allocation of funds
• Listen to the public and their concerns and focus on implementing laws that address them
• Make public appearances, such as by attending fundraisers and other political events and addressing the public
• Serve on committees, attend private and public political meetings, and participate in the process of government by debating and raising awareness about specific issues and concerns
• Inform businesses and schools about local, national and international issues; speak with the media; meet with constituents and lobbyists; campaign for election

Depending on the office you are elected in, and whether you work for the local, state or central government, your work environment may change. You may be based in your country’s capital city, the capital of the state that you represent, or in any other location in your constituency. Even otherwise, Politicians typically change their work environment frequently throughout the working day and move from offices to parliament hearings, political functions and events, and even open spaces to address the public.

Politicians may often travel since they must reach the public or other delegates wherever they may be. Frequent, extended, and long-distance travel is characteristic of election campaigns.

A Politician’s schedule may be affected by the country’s central, state, or local election calendars and may have breaks during different times than most workers and may have to work during holidays. The working hours can also vary since there is no official clocking-off time. Whether you are a full-time or part-time professional, you may also depend on the electoral office or the local, state, or central government.

To take up the career of a Politician, qualify yourself according to your country’s requirements, preferences, and traditions, take up volunteer work to gain experience in the field, and then join a political party. You will likely begin your career by being elected to a local or state government, and you may eventually run for higher offices.

Finding your first job may seem challenging. Aspiring Politicians can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting political parties and other Politicians directly, using job search platforms, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Politicians are generally employed by:

• Political Parties
• Local Governments
• State Governments
• Central Government

Professional associations and organisations are crucial for pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in your occupation. Such affiliations can add value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physically and emotionally demanding environment; stressful due to high stakes and crisis management
• Long and unpredictable hours; the need to travel frequently or for long periods during campaigns, which means time away from home and family
• Requires a period of unpaid volunteer work before acquiring a job
• Job insecurity since you may not be re-elected
• Salaries can vary significantly and are often not as desirable

Most Politicians begin their career by volunteering or interning for campaigns of established Politicians running for office or election. Reaching out to established Politicians with similar political views can be beneficial since you will have hands-on experience of how campaigns are run and increase your network. As a volunteer or intern, you will answer phones, cold-call potential voters, hand out flyers, and organise fundraisers.

An entry-level position in an established political party or a mayor’s or governor’s office can also help you network, gain relevant experience, and establish yourself and your political affiliations to the public and government. Some entry-level positions serve in a government committee and assist in events such as voter registration events.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession and interviewing those working in politics are other important ways to explore your interest.

While there is no minimum academic requirement, most Politicians hold at least a bachelor’s degree in political science or related fields, such as economics and international relations.

A second degree in law or business is highly beneficial and can help you land more jobs.

Certification demonstrates a Politician’s competence in a skillset, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Certification from an objective and reputed organisation can help you gain professional credibility, validate your knowledge, and increase your work confidence.

Politicians must have vast amounts of spherical knowledge; therefore, any certification can be beneficial. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. The reassurance that members who practice outside the Code will be investigated and held accountable earns the community’s trust and respect, which are the most critical elements in securing a Politician’s future.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression and the rise up the ranks of political parties.

Climbing up the political ranks and running for office may take time depending on the frequency of elections and your individual and party performance. Yet, many Politicians slowly rise to the top to become senators, governors, premiers and even prime ministers, chancellors and presidents.

Experience may qualify you for greater responsibilities, such as being the chairperson on committees or advancing to senior roles, such as party whip or even leader. Your progression as a minister would be possible if your party is in power. If it is the opposition party, you could be a spokesperson on specific matters or even have shadow cabinet responsibilities.

Politicians may even work in academia if they pursue further academic qualifications such as a PhD in political science and related fields. They may also transition into other fields such as law and business and find lucrative roles.

Some Politicians choose to transition into full-time volunteer work, advocacy, and activism.

Candidates with skills, experience, education, and a track record of reliability and honesty have the best job prospects. Communication, interpersonal skills, and determination can be beneficial towards reaching higher political ranks.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the holistic commitment of Politicians towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. There are many CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to help professionals in the field.

CPD allows Politicians to continually upskill, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Politicians to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism.

Continuing education in law or international relations can be beneficial for aspiring Politicians since it will allow them to reach higher ranks in government. Enhancing your proficiency in computer skills will also help you stay current with technology that you can apply to your work.

Eligibility

Apart from academic and work qualifications, a Politician must meet other requirements that vary significantly from one country or state to another. Typically, there is a minimum age requirement to become a member of the parliament and a citizenship requirement, which ensures you are a citizen of the specific country and not a citizen or subject of a foreign power. You must also have the right to vote, no criminal convictions, no prior convictions of treason, and not have been undischarged bankrupt.

Since the Cold War, the USA has assigned certain Politicians in the presidential line of succession to be “designated survivors” living in undisclosed secure locations, to be named president if needed.

Whether they work on a local, state, or national level and whether they are elected by the public or appointed by leaders in office, Politicians are skilled leaders who play a crucial role in their country’s wellbeing. They dedicate their lives to their profession as they contribute to passing laws and formulating policies that govern the nation, ensuring that governments protect and serve the public interest.

Honour your commitments with integrity, and your constituents will respond likewise in the next election. Develop and practise self-awareness by encouraging feedback on how the public and your colleagues perceive your statements, comportment, and interactions with them. Listen actively and reflect the values and needs of your constituents. Above all, let your actions speak for you.