To explore this career, become an intern or volunteer in the office of a lobbyist, legislator, government official, special interest group, or nonprofit institution (especially one that relies on government grants). Working in these fields will introduce you to the lobbyist's world and provide early exposure to the workings of government.
Another good way to learn more about this line of work is by becoming involved in your school government; writing for your school newspaper; doing public relations, publicity, and advertising work for school and community organizations; and taking part in fund-raising drives. When major legislative issues are being hotly debated, you can contact your congressional representatives to express your views or even organize a letter-writing or telephone campaign; these actions are in themselves forms of lobbying.
Participate in information interviews with lobbyists. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask lobbyists about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a lobbyist to learn even more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a teacher to help you set up these career exploration opportunities.
Participate in government-, public policy–, and political science–related summer exploration programs that are offered by colleges and universities, high schools, companies, and professional associations. For example, the National Student Leadership Conference offers summer exploration programs in Political Action & Public Policy and other areas. Learn more at https://www.nslcleaders.org.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Ambassadors
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Bailiffs
- Bank Examiners
- Border Patrol Agents
- Campaign Workers
- City Managers
- Civil Engineers
- Congressional Aides
- Construction Inspectors
- Cryptographic Technicians
- Customs Officials
- Demographers
- Deputy U.S. Marshals
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Economists
- Emergency Management Directors
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Environmental Planners
- EPA Special Agents
- FBI Agents
- Federal and State Officials
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Foreign Service Officers
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators, and Analysts
- Fund-Raisers
- Futurists
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Health and Regulatory Inspectors
- Historic Preservationists
- Intelligence Officers
- Interpreters
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Military Recruiters
- Military Workers, Enlisted
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Occupational Safety and Health Workers
- Park Rangers
- Policy Analysts
- Political Columnists and Writers
- Political Consultants
- Political Reporters
- Political Scientists
- Political Speechwriters
- Press Secretaries
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Recycling Coordinators
- Regional and Local Officials
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Secret Service Special Agents
- Social Workers
- Statisticians
- Traffic Engineers
- Translators
- Transportation Planners
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors