3 Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Career in Politics

Military service offers a foundation for a multitude of careers. It also offers a unique personal perspective on serving your country and community. For some, this takes the shape of venturing into entrepreneurship after leaving the military. For others, the draw to politics and/or public administration holds promise for fulfillment. Before you make the decision to jump into the political field, there are few things to consider.

#1: There are more job opportunities than just “politician”

If you are interested in a career in politics, but running for office seems daunting – there are many other alternative positions on the road to political service. If you’re starting from scratch, a legislative aide position offers real-life insight into the day-to-day tasks of being a legislator. If you’re ready for a mid-career opportunity, policy analyst or communications coordinator may be good option. Political consulting, media consulting, lobbying, and similar opportunities may be a great idea if you want to work with a variety of aspects of public administrations and politics. These also offer the freedom of being your own boss and running your own firm.

Don’t be afraid to explore this exciting career path for all it has to offer. You have a unique background and skillset, find what works best for you.

#2: Seek advice from other veterans

Many veterans make the decision to go into politics after the military. It seems like an easy segway for a new career. Take advantage of this, and reach out to your veteran community. Talk to vets who successfully made that transition. Did they have a specialized degree? What would they have done differently in their career to prepare them for the field? Learn from their mistakes and positive experiences to get a good handle on what you can expect.

#3: Be prepared for the “politics” of working in the political field

In the military, your fellow vets have your back. In the political world, much of your time is spent trying to get the upper hand to accomplish the task at hand. That task may be very worthwhile, but you will have to look out for yourself – and getting the credit matters to many in that industry. It may feel like another world when you’re first starting out. However, if you can navigate through this, you can do a lot of good for your community.

Like any career path, be sure to do some self-reflection on what you really want to accomplish. Is a political career the best way to do that? If it is, a little preparation goes a long way. If it’s not, at least you’ll feel confident that you weighed all your options before moving on to something else.

Have you moved from military service to a political career? What was your experience?