There is no single path to becoming a politician because so much depends on circumstance, and one personality type may be elected one year and hopeless the next. However, there are some common factors that contribute to the majority of successful political careers. Most politicians have a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields: law, business, economics, or political science. After college, a person’s options broaden: they can go to law school or business school to become a professional, or they can volunteer or intern with a politician, interest group, or campaign. A person can build a foundation for a successful political campaign by making connections, learning about the environment, and demonstrating his or her competence and skill.
There have been politicians without a college diploma or with degrees in non-political fields such as art, English, or biology, but they are the exception rather than the rule. To break into politics, you almost certainly need at least a bachelor’s degree, and it’s best if you get one in a relevant subject like political science, law, or economics, though liberal-arts degrees like philosophy or history can also work. In order to obtain this degree, students should seek the advice of professors, who are frequently connected to or directly involved in the political world.
It is critical for an individual to establish a name for himself or herself during or immediately after college, or if he or she does not have a college diploma, to demonstrate competence, skill, and passion. Before running for office, there are a variety of ways to get involved in politics, including volunteering for local governments, interest groups, or political campaigns. Affiliation with a major political party is not required, but it can be extremely beneficial. Independent candidates can run successful campaigns, but political parties provide a strong voter base and the opportunity to meet people who share similar beliefs and interests.
A person can break into politics by pursuing higher education in relevant fields, in addition to making connections through the political world. Many politicians have worked as attorneys, professors, or business owners in the past. Attending business or law school, or earning a doctorate, can assist an individual in becoming more involved and knowledgeable in his or her field.
In most cases, starting a political career at the local level is a good idea. The majority of politicians begin their careers by running for local city councils, school boards, or state legislatures.
Almost anyone who is intelligent, skilled, and motivated can break into politics by starting at the local level. However, politics is a fickle profession, and it is not uncommon for someone with no experience in local politics to rise to the state or even national level. Surprising victories or shocking defeats are frequently the result of unforeseeable factors. When trying to break into politics, it’s important to be honest and consistent, to keep a clean record, and to work hard to achieve well-defined objectives.