Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

[MassNole]

I have been thinking about the career path that I may take as finding legal employment is much more difficult than I expected it would be and well this type of job seems to fit my personality well. The problem is I have absolutely no idea where to begin look to find one of these jobs. Does anyone have any guidance on this?

I know for starters having a law degree helps and depending on my Multistate score from the Bar exam I may be able to waive into Washington D.C. with a Bar license. I know the causes I'd like to support, but some would flat out be TOS violations here and others would render this topic moot from the beginning.

So any suggestions?

[Cebby]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

Starting your own firm didn't work out?

That's pretty much what I'm planning on doing after school. My father is a lobbyist, and I've interned with them in DC for a good bit (general aviation and homeland security).

Of the people I've talked to, most said either work/intern on the hill, for a government agency, or for the higher level people, have experience in business management (though obviously you're not going for that). Obviously your law degree will help out, but I would think you'll still need some DC government experience. I have no idea what your work experience has been, but everyone has stressed to me the importance of working and interning on the hill.

Though depending on what you want to do, it could be very different than my experience. I can't imagine the people who want to legalize weed or save the puppies are doing the fundraisers and meeting with staff members on the hill.

[SPTO]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

Massnole are you prepared to lose all moral principles?

Just kidding with you but still that's the image I get when I hear the term lobbyist. I don't know how you could become one from personal knowledge but here's a good how to page.

Good luck

[Cebby]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

Massnole are you prepared to lose all moral principles?

I know it's a joke, but when you spend a little time in the environment, you realize that lobbyists are most definitely needed.

Yeah, the big tobacco and pharm people are probably holes of a certain orifice, but for the most part, lawmakers are ignorant on just about every issue they can actually control. It's easy to form an opinion on illegal immigrants, gay marriage, or abortion, but when it comes to jacking up users fees on general aviation or requiring internet notification on international flights, despite the difficulty of finding internet connection in central and south America, they probably have no idea.

This woman and I met with a new staff member of Rep Ehlers who was handling the issues of transportation, as well 2 or 3 other things, and the dude was only in maybe his upper 20s. Dude didn't know anything about anything. Without lobbyists, this country would be a mess.

[Beantown]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

Thank You For Smoking is one of my favorite movies because it, really, teaches you that being a lobbyist isn't just giving up your morals and what not. It takes real talent and such.

That said, I have no idea about the career path...but good luck.

[youvalss]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

Massnole are you prepared to lose all moral principles?

After looking at his avatar I can say he is

[umd]

Re: Anyone know how you become a lobbyist?

From someone who has done it - your best bet is to get some experience in DC if you want to be on a national stage. Otherwise, you can work your way there through local and state experience.

First, you'll need some knowledge of a specific issue, or to show you have the ability to learn every aspect of that issue. Whether it is previous job experience in that issue, or a degree (political science, international relations, business etc) with some specialty education in that area, you'll definitely need some background in what you'd like to lobby for.

Second, you'll need to use whatever connections you've got to find yourself a position in the specialty area you're looking at working in. Interning or entry level positions in government agencies, non-profits, private corporations - are the best way to get your feet wet in Washington.

If you have limited work experience and few connections, but a strong academic background, I would suggest non-profit organizations that deal with your preferred issues as the "fastest" way into a lobbying area.

If you're interested in working for a government agency look through the USA Jobs website for a comprehensive listing (when I used it several years ago at least) of lower and entry level positions.

Just remember that Washington skews very young. The majority of interns, entry level and mid level workers in say the Senate or the House are in their 20's and 30's (because of the low pay) and will have a very large early edge on you if you're just starting now.

I (and many others) started prepping for a lobbying/public service job in our soph and junior years in college building resumes, experiences and most importantly connections as interns.

I enjoyed lobbying and the (broken) workings of the American government so much I now teach third grade in the education system. Which, ironically, is just as broken as the system I left.