Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Public Policy Managers
Zeke, a Public Policy Manager, suggests entry-level political involvement through campaign volunteering—even small roles like "working the phones or knocking on doors"—to gain firsthand understanding of public opinion, recommending seeking "a position for like a district assistant" with local officials. This direct experience, Zeke emphasizes, provides invaluable insight into "how governments work" and surpasses passive media consumption in shaping political understanding.
Political Campaigns, Public Policy, Government, Entry-Level Jobs, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Zeke Sandoval
Public Policy Manager
Global Health Non-Profit
University of Southern California, 2019
Not applicable
Political Science, American Studies
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Legal
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Gain hands-on experience by volunteering on political campaigns or seeking entry-level positions like phone banking or canvassing.
2. Seek entry-level government positions such as district assistants, schedulers, or interns to understand how government works at various levels.
3. Prioritize roles that involve direct interaction with the public to gain insights into public opinion and political realities.
Transcript
What entry-level positions in this field might an undergraduate college student consider?
There are loads of ways for young people to get involved in politics. First and foremost, try volunteering for a campaign. If you need money, see if you can find a very small job, like working the phones or knocking on doors.
One thing you should really look for in an entry-level position if you're interested in politics is whether it gets you in front of the public. It can feel scary and intimidating, but it's really important. The conversations about politics on social media and in the news are often removed from how most people think about it. It’s crucial to get a sense of how people actually think about these issues.
I strongly recommend calling your local representatives. This includes your local Congressperson, State Senator, State Assemblyperson, City Council member, and County Supervisor. Ask if they have any positions like a district assistant, scheduler, or someone to answer phones.
An intern who can collect phone calls and report that, for example, ten people called about homelessness and five people called about water and sewage, is doing very basic, necessary work. This will give you a feel for how governments operate, whether at the local, state, or federal level.
As election years approach, it's also helpful to pick a candidate you like and offer to help. Try to find 10 hours a week, perhaps a few hours on the weekends, to knock on doors, talk to people, and fill out postcards.
You’ll get a much better sense of how most people think about politics this way than by watching hours of cable news or scrolling through social media.