GETTING IN:

1.   Dress for it.

2.   Research the organization so you know how you would fit in.

3.   Keep their perspective—know how you can help them.  If applying to a lobbiying organization remember, you are bringing no clients yet, so no income to the group.  Be sure you know the skills you can bring.  If applying to a political staff position, remember, you work/intern for that leader and represent him/her at all times.

4.   Politics is not a 9-5 job.  In an interview you want an employer to know you are ready to work hard for them, so don’t ask about benefits.


EXPANDING YOUR BASE:

Lynn Renee Hijar notes that public affairs are personal, so expanding your network is essential. You don’t do these jobs in a cubicle or in crowds. It is a personal business and you have to meet people of influence, people who have connections to other people, and who are on their way up. This is not a superficial process, so put your heart into it. Here is some of her advice:

1. Do your research to learn names and who you want to meet.

2. Show your teeth—grin and smile and be upbeat. Know when to schmooze and when not to.

3. Capture tidbits—remember names, kids, even dogs.

4. There is no “last time” you will deal with a person, so don’t burn bridges, and don’t be rude.


MOVING UP:

"Invest in your future,” Jeff Marston advises, meaning, put in the effort of attending events six nights a week. You will find opportunities, and “when you get your foot in the door, kick it open.” .

A position in public affairs is not like other jobs with a linear ascent. There are ups and downs in public affairs, Richard Ledford told the students. There are real highs and lows, great times and terrible times. Electoral loss means even staffers get booted out. So how you deal with those cycles is crucial. You must survive. You must keep your integrity intact. Redeem events, make a loss a success, and be ready to come back.  Be proud of what you do.  

Don’t be afraid to do something that others say you can’t. Be persistent.

It is true people do not forget, but still, “don’t burn bridges.”

You don’t get paid to lose, Ledford said, but there are different ways to win. Don’t slug it out—that is counter-productive. Most people you deal with don’t want to hurt you, and few issues are black and white. Know the people and motives you are dealing with, and work at consensus-building, remembering that persistence is more important than perfection in politics.

Vice Admiral Zortman's great advice is, "Do each job as if it were your last and the one for which you would want to be remembered."