Washington
is full of firms and organizations looking to hire talented people to do the
specialized work that keeps Washington humming. Direct mail, database
management, digital media, TV, fundraising – every aspect of a campaign has
corresponding firms here in DC that help Democrats go out and win elections.
All of those
consultants and firms are in addition to the non-profit and issue advocacy
organizations that call DC home. The League of Conservation Voters, J Street,
and Choice USA are all examples of organizations attending Democratic GAIN’s
Career Fair that are looking for talented individuals to help them pursue their
agendas and achieve their policy goals.
Do you think
you have something to offer a firm, consultant, or organization? Do you have
expertise in one area of politics that could be put to use by a progressive
non-profit?
If you’ve
ever thought about getting into consulting or working for an organization, check
out what Alix DeJean of the Dewey Square Group has to say about what it’s like
working as a consultant:
"Working
for a consulting firm presents different challenges from working on a campaign.
On campaigns, you often have to be a generalist- everyone pitches in. As a
consultant working at a firm, you have to apply your expertise in fundraising
or direct mail or communications to provide a particular service to a campaign.
You work with multiple clients, each with different needs but the same high
expectations for the quality of your work. Every client has to be a priority
and that presents different challenges from working on a campaign as a staffer.”
If you’re working for a non-profit or progressive advocacy
organization, many of the same principles apply. You’re going to have to
demonstrate that the skills you bring to the table are going to help the organization
achieve its policy goals. Your passion for a particular issue can be a great
asset. When working on a campaign, you have to elect one person with a variety
of issue positions. At an environmental organization, you’re able to focus
solely on the environmental issues that really motivate you.
Whether you want to work as a consultant at a firm or as part of a
non-profit or issue advocacy organization, the Democratic GAIN Career Fair is
great place to be. We’ll have dozens of firms and organizations looking for smart,
talented people heading into 2012.
Be sure to check out all of the organizations and firms that are going
to be at the Democratic GAIN Career Fair!