Career Advice

Anyone who's had a political job has been where you are, whether that's looking for your next great job, working out how to be the best you can be in the job you're in, or looking further down the line.

Those who've trod that path before you are great resources. Check out the advice below for help:

	Getting started: How to find a political job - The down and dirty, step-by-step way to get started, compiled by Democratic GAIN staff.
	How to get a job on the Hill - Everything you need to know to get your foot in the door, provided for Democratic GAIN by the experts at the Democratic Job Placement Initiative

	Building Your Interview Skills Webinar - Our very own Nikki Enfield joins Johanna Berkson, Candidate Trainings and Outreach with DCCC to share wisdom about interview best practices for campaigns, nonprofits, advocacy groups and Hill jobs.

	C.R. Wooters, Director of Member Services in the Office of the Assistant to the Speaker offers his advice on working in politics and on the Hill.
	John Alex Golden, Legislative Aide to Delegate David Englin of Virginia (Virginia House of Delegates) offers his thoughts and advice on working in a state legislature.
	Matt Thorton, Communications Director for Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) shares his career story and advice for working in politics.
	Alan Lindquist has been working on political campaigns for over a decade and is currently a fundraiser for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
	Lisa Bianco is the Political Director for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
	Bill Hyers, White House liaison, Department of Veterans Affairs - Bill has 20 years of experience on campaigns at the local, state and federal level.
	Brian Weeks, Assistant Director for Political Action Department, AFSCME - Brian has worked in campaigns in over 20 states ranging from County Supervisor to Presidential elections.
	Andy Bechhoefer, Targeting Director, Grassroots Solutions - Andy is a voter targeting expert, having worked for NCEC, the DCCC, Bradley for President and now Grassroots Solution.
	Marlon Marshall, National Field Director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee - Marlon started in started in local politics in 2004, attended an early GAIN training in Detroit and has steadily moved up the ranks as a top-notch organizer.
	Matt Mansell, Executive Director, Virgina House Democratic Caucus - Matt went from working field in 2000 to the guy in responsible for inching House Democrats in Virginia to a majority.
	Jim Carrol, Managing Director, Equality California - In his past life, Jim was a commercial lender at a large bank. He turned his facility with numbers and with people into a successful career in politics and policy.
	Bob Blaemire, Director of Business Development, Catalist, LLC - Bob's been fighting the good fight through good times and bad for more than 30 years. From a successful career on the Hill to a successful career in consulting, Bob's seen it all.
	Nikki Enfield, Executive Director, Democratic GAIN - Nikki tells it straight, recounting her own lessons learned from her "bi-annual mid-life crises."

	Networking 101 GAIN Executive Director Nikki Enfield gives a great rundown of how and when to network.
	Rules for How to Network Without Being Creepy - Courtney Sielof from JobsthatareLEFT shares a list of networking rules and tips.

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