How Do I Become a Campaign Coordinator?

An interest in politics, great organization skills, and the ability to communicate with a large group of people are vital to become a campaign coordinator. If this describes you, there are steps that you can take to begin your career: volunteer for campaigns, obtain an undergraduate or graduate education, and find a mentor in the field. There is not one certain path to become a campaign coordinator, as individuals from varying educational and experiential backgrounds get these jobs, but if you are serious about working in politics there are things you can do to ensure your success.

The first step is to begin volunteering for campaigns as soon as you realize that you have an interest in working in politics. Campaign coordinators generally have experience working for campaigns, and you will have the opportunity to observe others working in the capacity that you eventually want to work in. These experiences provide you with the opportunity to meet a number of people working in the field, and provides you the opportunity to find somebody that you trust to be your mentor. A mentor can answer questions and provide guidance on your career path. This is an extremely helpful way to get involved in the field, as well as network, so that you will have future job references and opportunities within the field.

In addition to volunteering for political campaigns, you also need to gain an education to become a campaign coordinator. Most individuals working in this position have at least a bachelor's degree, but a graduate degree is an asset if you want to work for larger campaigns eventually. You do not necessarily have to major in political science to become a campaign coordinator, but it is a helpful degree to have. Other majors that could lead to a career in politics include history, English, journalism, or marketing.

To become a campaign coordinator, you need to work hard at both your campaign volunteering and your education. It is important to be able to show future bosses that you can handle stress, responsibility, and that you are organized. Communication skills are required for the position, as the campaign coordinator holds together the entire campaign. You need to prove that you are able to handle these things before you will be given the opportunity to work in this capacity. Beginning at an entry-level position, taking opportunities when they arise, and continuing to learn from your mentor will help you eventually become a campaign coordinator.