Skip to Main Content

Federal and State Officials

Employment Prospects

Employers

State legislators work for the state government, and many hold other jobs as well. Because of the part-time nature of some legislative offices, state legislators may hold part-time jobs or own their own businesses. Federal officials work full time for the Senate, the House, or the executive or judicial branches. 

Starting Out

There is no direct career path for state and federal officials. Some enter their positions after some success with political activism on the grassroots level or by working their way up from local government positions to state legislature and into federal office. For example, President Barack Obama was a community organizer in Chicago before being elected to the Illinois state legislature and the U.S. Senate. Additionally, many politicians get their start assisting someone else's campaign or advocating for an issue. Those who serve as U.S. Congress members have worked in the military, journalism, academics, business, and many other fields.