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!