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Lobbyists communicate the views of special interest groups to lawmakers, including members of Congress. They aim to influence how lawmakers write or vote on legislation related to particular issues—immigrant rights, health insurance, clean energy, housing development, transportation, and many others. Lobbyists are thus key players in local, state, and national politics.
Although a person can become a lobbyist with a bachelor's degree in any field, having a bachelor's degree in political science, public relations, economics, law, journalism or communications is the best start.
For example, lobbyists with a law degree have a good understanding of legislation and drafts. In addition, aspiring lobbyists who plan on lobbying for a specific sector, such as the environment, may major in wildlife biology or environmental science and complement their major with a minor in political law or science.
Lobbyists need a good understanding of the legislative process. Therefore, a crucial step toward entering the field of lobbying is exposure to a government network or politicians and other lobbyists. To gain this experience, students can work as a congressional aide or as an intern for any state legislature, group or agency requiring legislative representation.
Internships are not always paid, but they provide essential experience and opportunities to learn about current political issues. An intern normally conducts research, takes notes at hearings, sends and reads emails and answers phones.
Completing an internship gives you the opportunity to form your first professional contacts and pivotal relationships, leading to great lobbying career opportunities. Success as a lobbyist is often dependent on knowing the right people and effective networking. Even low-ranking jobs in government organizations can introduce an aspiring lobbyist to the right contacts for success.
Before finding a fulltime lobbyist position, grassroots lobbying at the community level can help you accomplish much. This can be done with letter writing and phone calls to legislators regarding policies. Forming relationships with key persons and policymakers is vital. The sooner you build your networks and learn the art of persuasion and persistence, the more prepared you'll be for this career.
At first, a lobbyist often works for an elected official such as state legislators, congressional representatives or local city councilors. The next step after gaining experience in one or more of these roles is to find an entry- or associate-level consulting role with industry associations or organizations with a lobbying or legislative branch. As the next career step, you may move up to mid- or senior-level government affairs consultations with organizations wanting to impact legislation or public policy.
Anyone participating in lobbying activities must first register by filling out an initial registration form. Registration fees vary according to the state and may be reduced or waived for government lobbyists. Required registration information may include the filer's contact details, client information and the lobbyist's subject matters of interest. Some states also require ID photos, compliance and honesty pledges, lobby work compensation terms and more.
Every quarter, professional lobbyists are required to file a report listing their lobbying activities and current contacts. A registered lobbyist can work as an employee of a lobbying firm or work independently.
Networking never loses its importance in a lobbyist's career. Success as a lobbyist depends on your networking abilities with other lobbyists, policymakers and legislators. Dedicated lobbyists keep looking to create connections, establish trust and develop influence for advancement of their legislation, as well as to promote their career to the next level.
To begin with, you'll spend a large proportion of your time on research, monitoring and responding to requests for information, but will soon start to have face-to-face contact with clients. Initially, you'll attend meetings, briefings and conferences alongside more senior staff while you gain experience.
Consultancies generally have a clear structure and opportunities in place for career progression. A typical career path is from account executive to account manager, heading up a small team within the consultancy and being responsible for a group of clients.
The next step may be to senior account manager or account director and then associate director, handling the consultancy's work for a range of clients, providing strategic advice and developing new business. At higher levels, the ability to develop and win new business, as well as servicing existing clients, becomes increasingly important.
Moving into an in-house public affairs department as a public affairs manager or policy adviser is possible. Some may move into full-time political roles, such as working for a political party or as an adviser. These moves may be permanent or may be used to further develop experience and contacts before returning to consultancy.
It's generally easier to start in a consultancy role and move into an in-house position, rather than vice versa, as consultancies are keen to employ staff with previous experience in a consultancy environment. In-house teams are generally smaller and you may need to move organisation in order to further your career. However, you're likely to have more input into policy and communications strategy and more opportunity to specialise in a particular market and industry in an in-house role.
Salaries vary depending on the size and location of the consultancy and the types of client they work for. Additional benefits, such as medical insurance, may be offered.
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