Politics can be challenging. Starting your own political party or entering into politics can be both rewarding and daunting. Politics is stressful, competitive and requires mind games, such as diplomacy. You will also need to understand government policies, rules, and regulations. We recommend that you first enter into politics by volunteering into the field and getting involved in the process, and then create your own political party.
Today we are going to talk about how you can enter into politics and we would give away tips to create a political party. Remember that the process and steps may vary based on your country and state. So, consider this a general factsheet and not a strict guideline.
Most of the top-notch politicians do not hold a degree. But, the scenario is changing now, and although you can run an office without an educational background, a graduation will be a kind of proof or certification that shows that you have pursued the career wholeheartedly and you know the basics of current affairs, government, and political history. Although there is no special degree course meant solely for politics, Economics, Law, and Business are common choices that candidates pursue. Make sure you choose a degree that you show some kind of interest, regardless of entering politics. This is because you will have to take classes on a variety of subjects and not restrain to your degree alone.
If you are interested in social issues, public welfare, current events, and economics, politics should be the right option for you. Whatever your choices are, start early.
While you are completing your education, you have to make yourself actively involved in various school and college level groups. Participate in events and hone your communication and leadership skill, both of which are extremely important to become a politician.
You can also take advanced degrees in public administration, social welfare, law, and business administration.
Volunteering at political parties could be a great opening. It would act as an internship. Although in politics, most interns are not paid, the experience that you get upfront will not match any book or logic. You will get the right exposure, and know people and the inside stuff more closely.
You can work as an intern in the following regions: Elected Official, Non-profit organizations partaking in political issues, any government agency, or political action committee.
You should also take part in campaigns for a national and local candidate in your circle. This will give you the right exposure to campaign workings and management.
This could be your next step into politics. Once you get a first-hand exposure and treatment in political affairs, you should look for solid political work. Do not directly jump into powerful political groups in your area; chances of getting lost there is more. So, start by applying for entry-level positions as a legislative aid, field representative or a campaign manager. If you start small, you will likely get more responsibilities and a better position.
You would need to get experience in both public policy and elections. You have to ultimately switch to the policy-making side. So, work as a candidate or an elected official in the beginning, for a few years probably, and then shift your focus to the important work. You have to network with a large group of people and get as much experience as you can.
People should recognize you, talk about you, and appreciate your leadership qualities. For this, you have to wholeheartedly involve in the community, work for them, work with them, and stand up for them. Whether you start your own office or work for other political parties, community involvement should be your first priority.
You could be in the limelight by taking part in churches and groups, serve on boards belonging to the community, volunteer for schools and NGOs, and attend local events.
To stay visible, you need to practice your networking skills and partake in public speaking. Communication skills, public speaking and leadership skills are the three most essential traits you need to refine and hone. Improve yourself, give speeches, learn to be diplomatic and join civic organizations.
Politics is all about talking and building good relationships. The more contacts you have, the better will be your stance. You should interact with as many people as you can and bring them on your side. There are so many constituencies; you have to get to know each one of them closely and talk to people from different background.
Fundraising, campaigning, rallies, social awareness events, and community outreach are a few of the major purposes of politics. And, you need support for these causes – from media, from fellow politicians, from sponsors and from other parties. If you have more contacts, you will have a stronger career.
You have to be on alert all the time, pay attention to current events, scrutinize current affairs, and gain knowledge about what is going around locally, nationally and across the world. The best way to stay well-informed is by checking and reading newspapers through and through. Sign up for e-newsletters on politics, buy political organization based journals, and check current affair websites, such as The Huffington Post and Politico.
Watch news on television. They give visual information. Also, you can start your own political webinar where you can ask experts to speak about a particular topic. Experience and exposure are what will mature your conscience.
Politics is not a cakewalk. You need the power to enter into fully-fledged politics. So, you will have to patiently wait and mature like wine. You should be smart, witty, fearless, tactful, empathetic, and practical to be in politics. You will also have to be courageous to speak your mind and diplomatic to balance relationships.
We have outlined the basic requirements of pursuing a career in politics. In the next segment, you will learn a few tips on starting your own political party.
Starting a political party will need a lot of support, both financially and legally. You will have to figure your plan of action at a very early stage – plan your party platform, get the message out to the right people and set up an organizational structure. You need to prefix how, when, where and why to the above steps to determine your action plan.
We have written down a few tips that will help you develop your own political party.
Hope this article helped you to understand whatyou need for a political career and what should be done to start aparty. Visit our website and check other career-building opportunities. Share the knowledge and be a support.