How to make connections as an intern on a political campaign?

Networking is a great skill to have and it sounds like this internship is a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections. I have a couple quick ideas that could help you make a good impression and get to know people in the field:

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  When meeting people who seem to hold interesting positions, don't be shy to ask for a business card or their contact information. Similarly, after meeting someone new it can be helpful to jot down some notes about the conversation later for your own reference. Doing this can set the groundwork for building and maintaining strong professional connections.

  
  


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  If you meet someone who seems to have a position you might one day be interested in, or there are people in the office you'd like to get to know, ask if they might be willing to get coffee or lunch to discuss how they got to where they are today. There may also be other sponsored meals or events associated with the campaign which can also provide a good place to meet new people and get involved.

  
  


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  Prepare a 15-30 second introduction for yourself about your interests, goals and experiences so that you can articulate this well when the question comes up - and it will!

  
  

Best of luck!

Easy...pick up the phone and call. If it's a "local" campaign even better. Start out small and move on the larger campaigns. The more you do, the more you will learn and the better you'll be able to pick and chose what areas of any given campaign you want to work for. It all starts with a phone call. Example: "Greetings, my name is Sarah Smith and I am interested in being a volunteer on the campaign to re-election Joe Smith for City Council. Who is the individual responsible for hiring volunteers and how do I get in touch with him or her."

Side Note: study, learn everything you can about the individual for re-elect. Because they, the staff manager, will ask you, "So why do you want to get involved with Mr./Ms. campaign? What is your position on the infrastructure issue? Do you agree or disagree with Mr./Ms positon? He/She is very passionate about this issue. You don't want to come off as uninformed about the candidate and platform. Very Important.

Q: What is a good way to make sure that I make a positive and memorable impact on the political operatives or even politicians that I meet?
A: Ask them to give you feedback at the end. Take notes, learn, review and move on to the next.
My son wanted to do the same thing. I told him it's simple, " plug yourself into the machinery called politics." You can't learn in a vacuum. You have to experience life and the world around you by actively participating in it."

Get involved.
Fay Sharpsteen