Career Opportunities in Politics, Government, and Activism

by Axelrod-Contrada, Joan; Kerry, John

• ISBN13: 9780816043187
• ISBN10: 0816043183
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-05-01
• Publisher: Checkmark Books

Summary

Career Opportunities in Politics, Government, and Activism brings together jobs from government, human services, and international relations so that college students and career changers searching for entry-and mid-level positions can peruse a wide range of potential career paths all in one, easy-to-use guide. Among the more than 80 jobs profiled are mayor, state senator, political consultant, urban/regional planner, press secretary, foreign service worker, community organizer, and human rights worker. Profiles are organized into three main sections--Politics, Government, and Activism. Extensive appendixes give readers an indispensable directory of organizations, schools, associations, publications, and web sources to use in their career hunt. Special appendixes include Frequently Asked Questions About the Civil Service and How to Run for Political Office--the Basics.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vii
Industry Outlook	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction: How to Use This Book	xiii
PART I---POLITICS
Political Campaigns
Pollster	4	(3)
Political Consultant	7	(3)
Campaign Manager	10	(3)
Political Party Staffer	13	(3)
Political Office
School Board Member	16	(3)
City Councilor	19	(2)
Mayor	21	(3)
District Attorney	24	(3)
State Legislator	27	(3)
Governor	30	(3)
U.S. Representative	33	(2)
President of the United States	35	(7)
PART II---GOVERNMENT
Local/State---General Positions
Administrative Assistant	42	(2)
Management Analyst	44	(2)
Program Manager	46	(2)
Public Information Officer	48	(4)
Local Government
Local Political Aide	52	(2)
Recreation Supervisor	54	(2)
Assessor	56	(3)
Housing Specialist	59	(2)
Urban and Regional Planner	61	(2)
Economic Developer	63	(3)
Municipal Clerk	66	(2)
Election Official	68	(2)
Town/City Manager	70	(4)
Local/State Specialists
Employment Interviewer/Counselor	74	(2)
Labor Relations Specialist	76	(3)
Environmental Specialist	79	(3)
Victim Advocate	82	(3)
Public Health Professional	85	(3)
Emergency Manager	88	(4)
Auditor	92	(3)
Ethics Investigator	95	(2)
Antidiscrimination Worker	97	(2)
Human Services Director	99	(5)
State/Federal Legislative Staff
Congressional Page	104	(2)
Legislative Correspondent	106	(2)
District Aide	108	(2)
Legislative Assistant	110	(3)
Research Analyst	113	(3)
Chief of Staff	116	(4)
Other State/Federal Positions
Paralegal	120	(3)
Government Lawyer	123	(3)
Policy Analyst	126	(3)
Press Secretary	129	(2)
Speechwriter	131	(3)
International Affairs
United Nations Headquarters Intern	134	(3)
Foreign Service Officer	137	(3)
Intelligence Operative	140	(6)
PART III---ACTIVISM
Nonprofit Advocacy and Administration
Program Assistant	146	(2)
Program Director	148	(2)
Fund-raiser	150	(3)
Communication Director	153	(2)
Director of Volunteers	155	(2)
Program Officer, Foundation	157	(3)
Founder, Nonprofit Organization	160	(2)
Executive Director	162	(4)
Public Interest
Canvasser	166	(2)
Environmental Activist	168	(3)
Consumer Activist	171	(2)
Government Reform Activist	173	(2)
Public Interest Lawyer	175	(5)
Community, Social, and International Issues
Community Organizer	180	(2)
Community Development Associate	182	(3)
Women's Rights Activist	185	(3)
Peace Worker	188	(2)
Conflict Resolution Specialist	190	(3)
Human Rights Advocate	193	(5)
Lobbies, Unions, and Associations
Lobbyist	198	(3)
Labor Union Organizer	201	(2)
Membership Director, Association	203	(2)
Political Action Committee (PAC) Professional	205	(3)
Service Programs
Peace Corps Volunteer	208	(3)
AmeriCorps Member	211	(5)
APPENDIXES
I. Frequently Asked Questions about the Civil Service and Federal Employment	216	(2)
II. Federal Pay Scale	218	(1)
III. Federal Government Agency Organizational Chart	219	(2)
IV. Federal Government Jobs	221	(1)
V. Employment Websites	222	(1)
VI. Graduate School Programs	223	(29)
A. Public Affairs, Public Administration, Public Policy	223	(10)
B. Nonprofit Management	233	(2)
C. Urban and Regional Planning	235	(4)
D. Political/Campaign Management	239	(1)
E. Political Science	240	(7)
F. International Affairs	247	(5)
VII. Advocacy Groups	252	(4)
A. Political Parties and Government Reform	252	(1)
B. Environment and Consumer Advocacy	252	(1)
C. Community and Social Issues	253	(1)
D. Civil Rights and Liberties	254	(1)
E. Peace and International Affairs	254	(2)
VIII. How to Run for Political Office---The Basics	256	(1)
IX. Trade Publications	257	(1)
X. Associations	258	(5)
Bibliography	263	(4)
Index	267

Excerpts

Career Opportunities in Politics, Government, and Activism brings together jobs from government, human services, and international relations so that college students and career changers searching for entry- and mid-level positions can peruse a wide range of potential career paths all in one easy-to-use guide. Among the more than 70 jobs profiled are mayor, state senator, political consultant, urban/regional planner, press secretary, foreign service worker, community organizer, and human rights worker. Each entry provides the same detailed overview that marks the Career Opportunities series—every profile presents possible roads to specific jobs and suggests how certain jobs can become stepping-stones to bigger and better positions.Profiles are organized into three main sections—Politics, Government, and Activism. Extensive appendixes give readers an indispensable directory of organizations, schools, associations, publications, and web sources to use in their career hunt. Special appendixes include Frequently Asked Questions About the Civil Service and How to Run for Political Office—the Basics.