Being a Lobbyist

Jay Hauser

Period 6Health 12

Jay HauserPeriod 6Health 12

Lobbyist

As the end of my senior year approaches, I am eagerly waiting back to hear back from

colleges regarding my applications. I applied to Swarthmore College, Columbia University,

University of Pennsylvania, New York University, Dickinson College, Gettysburg College,

Bucknell University, Rowan University, and Haverford College, all schools with my intended

major, political science. Generally, political science stems off into four main concentrations-

United States Government, Comparative Government, Political Theory, and International

Relations. I plan on working mainly in the United States Government concentration.

After college, there are many careers available to those with my major. They can work as

campaign managers, government workers, lobbyists, lawyers, congressional aides, politicians, or

many other related jobs. Interestingly enough (as I learned in AP Government a few days ago),

the amount of congressional staff has been constantly increasing due to the large amount of

legislative work given to each legislator. In order to pursue a career as a lawyer, one needs an

advanced degree.

My intended career as a lobbyist requires a large skill set and educational background in

politics. However, I could (even though I have no intention to do this) go into lobbying with a

bachelor’s degree in journalism, law, communications, public relations, or economics. Other job

requirements include experience in the field, which can be obtained through internships and

externships through my college. In addition, one must be familiar with the concepts, practices,

and procedures involved with lobbying. Most importantly, lobbyists need to have great

communication and leadership skills to help enact change in Washington D.C.

I feel that this career is right for me because it satisfies my personal requirements for a

job. I need to work for a cause I believe in, use my college education on a daily basis, make a

good living, and have opportunities to move up in the field. This career provides financial

stability, as the median salary for a lobbyist is $101,969. I could, should I choose to, go back to

law school after working as a lobbyist. Maybe I would run for elected office. Who knows what

my future may hold.

Works Cited

"Become a Lobbyist: Education and Career Roadmap." Education Portal. N.p., n.d. Web. 20

Jan. 2015.

<http://education-portal.com/articles/Become_a_Lobbyist_Education_and_Career_Roadm

ap.html>.

"Columbia College Concentration in Political Science." Department of Political Science.

Columbia University, n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2015. <http://polisci.columbia.edu/undergraduate-

programs/program-requirements/columbia-college-concentration-political-science>.

"Guide for Political Science Majors." WorldWideLearn. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.

<http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/social-science/political-science-

major.htm#WCYDWDI>.

"Lobbyist Salary." Salary.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Jan. 2015.

<http://www1.salary.com/Lobbyist-Salary.html>.