Washington, DC – February 1, 2010

On Thursday night, The Graduate School of Political Management played host to four professional political insiders for an informative and engaging discussion on the all-important question: How does one land a job in politics? Our panel shared their personal experiences and intimate knowledge of the inner-workings of Washington, DC, offering interesting and practical advice on how to make it in the world of politics. 

The Panelists Included:

• Robert Traynham, former top aide to US Senator Rick Santorum of PA, currently Washington Bureau Chief for Comcast,  political analyst for National Public Radio, and columnist for the Philadelphia Tribune
• Mag Gottlieb, former Managing Director of Foster Partners, an expert in state and federal legislative and public affairs, and currently Career Services Director of GSPM
• Carrie Giddins, former Communications Director for the Iowa Democratic Party, one of The Politico’s 50 politicos to watch in 2008, and founder of Giddy Up! Communications, a political communications consulting firm
• Nancy Bocksor Former Congressional Chief of Staff, Campaign Manager, top fundraiser, and founder of The Nancy Bocksor Company, a political consulting firm

The panel emphasized the importance of developing relationships and expanding your social network, working to create what Bocksor called the “one degree of separation” with as many people as possible. GSPM Career Services Director Mag Gottlieb stated that 85% of jobs come through one’s social network. So how do you make connections and build your network? First and foremost, you can’t be shy. It’s important to be bold and memorable. Don’t hesitate to go to a career networking happy hour in DC, and feel free to bring a friend along. Tap into your school’s alumni network. Ask successful politicos how they got their start and absorb all the wisdom you can. Even if you don’t have a formal position, make business cards. It’s a quick and smooth way to exchange contact information, and it gives the person something physical by which to remember you. So once you’ve made the connection, what’s next? It’s likely that you’re going to correspond with the person through e-mail. Be certain that the subject line is clear and straightforward.  The first few sentences of the body are the most important. Say what needs to be said early, never use all CAPS, and of course make sure you spell check.

If you are able to land an interview, do your homework. Become an expert on the person who’s going to conduct the interview. It’s important to be familiar with their work, and to try to find a personal connection of some sort. (Are you from the same state? Same county? Have you traveled to the same country? Do you share a mutual friend?)
Hand write the thank-you letter. It conveys a personal, sincere appreciation for the employer’s interest in you. The handwritten note is becoming a lost art of sorts, and serves as an easy opportunity to stand out from the rest of the applicants.

It is absolutely crucial that you establish and maintain your credibility and integrity. Robert Traynham asserted– “you live and die by your reputation in this town.”  The professional political community is extremely close-knit, and everybody talks (DC is not as big as you may think).
 
Entering the competitive world of politics is not easy.  It requires passion, persistence, some luck, and often being in the right place at the right time.  But your chances of becoming a successful politico can increase dramatically if you heed the advice presented by this outstanding group of panelists.