How to enter the progressive space
You climbed the corporate ladder, went to school, and generally followed a career path, but at some point you woke up and said, “I want to do something to help people.” Welcome to the progressive political and advocacy space! Trust me, we need you. But you may be wondering why no one is getting back to you.
If you are trying to enter the space for the first time, here are some tips to make the job application transition:
Explain your interest & passion: We care about people who care about the work. If you seem like you’re just looking for a job — any job — you’re more likely to get passed over, even if your skills are highly transferable. Whether in your resume or cover letter, a brief explanation of your intent to work in the progressive space can go a long way. Highlight any volunteer, work, or academic experience you have in the progressive or nonprofit space to show demonstrated interest.
Read lots of job descriptions and learn about organizations: The progressive space has its own language and common terms. And there are hundreds of organizations of various sizes and missions across the country. The common element is that we are working for causes and issues that we believe will make the world a little bit better. By reading job descriptions and organization websites, you can start to familiarize yourself with areas of greatest interest and common skill sets that are needed.
Network: Progressive politics and advocacy is an extremely small field. Yes, people know each other, and many will be open to talking with you. I recommend these tips to make the most of that time. And keep in mind that peers can be just as — if not more — valuable than more senior people, who may be more difficult to get time with.
Determine your needs: Is stability important, or are you a career risk-taker? Can you move for a job? Would you take a salary cut compared to a corporate job? The reality is that progressive space jobs are rarely going to pay as much as many corporate equivalents, they are sometimes less stable (though not always), and it is not unusual for people to move jobs and cities every few years. That being said, many organizations would be thrilled to have staff who stay for the long haul, but this isn’t a job-for-life field of work.
Volunteer: While this is not an option for everyone, if you have the time and resources to volunteer on a political campaign or organization, you will get invaluable experience that can’t be learned in a classroom. And then add it to your resume.
Demonstrate a willingness to learn: If you are self-taught in any relevant skills in a formal or informal setting, be sure to note them. This is particularly true for data, tech, analytics, and digital jobs. Even if the role calls for a different tool, showing that you were able to learn on your own demonstrates to employers that you are likely to be able to quickly learn other systems.
Be humble: Politics is full of smart, passionate, and high-achieving people who work extremely (too) hard. You may bring a lot to the table; make sure you are listening, too. There’s plenty to learn in all directions.
