How can I be like C.J. Cregg?

December 25, 2008 8:46 PM

Maybe it's just the miniature Aaron Sorkin in my head talking, but with the advent of the Obama administration and all, I think it might be cool to try to get a stint as a communications aide/press officer or speechwriter with some kind of progressive campaign or Democratic congressperson.

How does someone go about this sort of thing? I'm guessing it helps to have a background in journalism, but is it really all about insider connections?

If it helps, I'm a humanities major at a pretty good liberal arts school (I have a background in PR and performing arts, not so much journalism).

posted by themaskedwonder to Media & Arts (2 answers total)

I work in this field. It is surprisingly easy to break into but you need to be willing to work your way up, starting with little to no pay. Journalism experience isn't necessary though.

If you're still in college, your best bet is to get an internship on a local campaign. The smaller the campaign, the less you'll be able to specialize in comms, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The important thing is to get your feet wet. You could also try to get a Hill internship next summer. Working on the Hill and working on campaigns are two different tracks, so it might be good to spend time doing both.

BTW, the whole insider connections thing is a bit overblown. True, people get most of those jobs by knowing someone, but it's usually someone you know from working together on another campaign or congressional office. Sure, there are always those kids who luck into the sweet jobs right out of college because a campaign manager went to high school with their dad, but most people build careers by doing a good job and getting known.

That's all I got for now. Feel free to email me. BTW, there are a bunch of similar questions that have been asked here over the last year.
posted by lunasol at 9:23 PM on December 25, 2008 [5 favorites]

I'm also in the field and agree with just about everything lunasol said. Be ready to work for free (or very cheap). Be prepared to work absurd hours. I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else, but it's not for everyone. I definitely recommend trying an internship or two to see if you like it. A background in journalism is completely unnecessary. I have an anthropology degree and I'm surrounded by history/poli sci majors. E-mail me if you have any specific questions.
posted by fancypants at 11:49 AM on December 26, 2008 [1 favorite]