Political campaign jobs are available across all levels of government and last a range of months or years, depending on the size and scope of the operation. Many campaigns are staffed by full-time paid staffers, but many also involve volunteers. Some operations may only be a couple of people, while others are massive operations that involve hundreds of paid and volunteer employees and consultants. Campaign work gives you a unique and valuable perspective on the electoral process, the cares and concerns of voters and elected officials, and how to influence policy positions from outside of government. It also provides an opportunity to develop and refine a variety of skills in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment.

As you work on a campaign, you learn how to prioritize and execute tasks efficiently and effectively, both for a team and on your own. You also learn how to communicate in a way that is persuasive, engaging, and effective. This includes knowing how to use data effectively, presenting information clearly and concisely, and creating a narrative that resonates with voters.

As a political campaign staffer, you can expect to be challenged and tired by the demands of your role. However, many campaigns offer a variety of benefits to their staffers, including housing assistance, free or discounted meals on shifts, and transportation reimbursement. Additionally, many students with strong partisan connections or prior political experience can secure positions on legislative campaigns (for US House and Senate seats, or for state legislative seats) without competing with more senior staffers.