As attention intensifies for this year’s important mid-term elections in the U.S., I decided to turn off CNN, walk my dog, take a deep breath and try to respond to a couple of readers’ questions about my past experiences and thoughts on getting involved in political campaigns.
Quick Background Summary: I got actively involved in local political campaigns while still in high school, and the “bug” lasted through college and the early stages of my career. After a 2-year stint as a newspaper reporter covering education and politics, I accepted my first full-time political job on a losing campaign in Indiana. But it lead to a bigger opportunity in New York where I worked for the Speaker of the Assembly for seven years. I was recruited away from that incredible experience for my first, more lucrative corporate job. Three other senior-level corporate and agency jobs eventually led 15 years ago to my teaching gig at DePaul University. Depite leaving political jobs, I remained addicted to the frustrations and excitement of political campaigns.
For public relations students and young pros, politics offers a dynamic and impactful way to apply communication skills in high-stakes environments. Politics is, at its core, about shaping narratives, building relationships, and influencing public perception—areas where PR professionals excel. Whether working for elected officials, advocacy groups, government agencies, or political campaigns, PR students are uniquely positioned to thrive in this field — either as a volunteer or a full-time employee.
One of the most compelling aspects of a political career is the opportunity to be at the center of decision-making and public discourse. Political communicators craft messaging that informs, persuades, and mobilizes audiences. From writing press releases and managing media relations to developing crisis communication strategies, the work is fast-paced and constantly evolving. If you enjoy staying informed, thinking strategically, and responding quickly to changing situations, politics may be a natural fit.
During my time in political jobs, everything took longer to make happen and most stress came twice a day around “news cycles.” Today, we’re on point 24/7. Therefore, the role of PR has increased in influence as campaigns and elected officials realize how social media can shape public opinion in real time. Fortunately, a background in public relations equips students with essential skills — audience analysis, message framing, media pitching, and reputation management. In politics, where public trust and image are critical, these abilities are invaluable.
Like many corporate and agency jobs, it’s important to recognize that a career in politics can be demanding and uncertain (especially if your candidate loses the election). Long hours, high pressure, and intense public scrutiny are common. Success often requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong ethical foundation. Understanding the broader social and political landscape is also crucial, as communicators must be aware of how messages resonate across diverse audiences.
Each of my political jobs came through my network — one job led to the next through people I met along the way (both Democrats and Republicans). So, as I often mention in this blog, networking plays a significant role in breaking into your next job. Building relationships with professionals in government, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations can open doors to internships and entry-level roles. Gaining hands-on experience through campaigns or local government offices is particularly valuable, as it provides insight into the inner workings of political communication.
Ultimately, for PR students and young pros who are passionate about public affairs and want to make a tangible impact, politics can offer a meaningful and challenging career path. By leveraging your communication expertise and staying engaged with current issues, you can help shape the conversations that define society.
How to Begin:
- Take courses in political communication, public affairs, or government to build foundational knowledge
- Get involved in student organizations related to politics, debate, or advocacy
- Apply for internships with local government offices, political campaigns, or nonprofit organizations
- Volunteer for a campaign to gain firsthand experience in messaging and outreach
- Build a portfolio of writing samples, including press releases, op-eds, or social media content
- Stay informed about current events and political trends by following reputable news sources
- Network with professors, alumni, and professionals who have experience in political communication
- Develop strong digital skills, especially in social media strategy and analytics
- Attend public meetings, town halls, or political events to understand community engagement
- Consider joining professional organizations such as PRSA. In Illinois there also are organizations devoted to political discussion such as the City Club of Chicago and The Lincoln Forum.