Politics as a career

[LibertiORDeth]

I am considering a career in politics, and have a few questions.

First, if I major in Political Science, what do I minor in?

Secondly, if I do go to college for that, can I even get a job? There really isn't a whole lot of full-time jobs in politics, and to my knowledge a lot of people aim for that.

[LibertiORDeth]

Any input?

[PimpBlimp]

Career politicians are why we are in this mess we are in now. If you decide to go into politics do it as a statesmen and do it as a duty to the country. Even better advice, follow Ron Paul's platform :D

[Scott K]

I am considering a career in politics, and have a few questions.

First, if I major in Political Science, what do I minor in?

Secondly, if I do go to college for that, can I even get a job? There really isn't a whole lot of full-time jobs in politics, and to my knowledge a lot of people aim for that.

Well, you don't major in Political Science, first. P.Science will only help you become a teacher.

Major in English and minor in something else that interests you that's not P. Science.

Join debate clubs and toast masters to learn to speak in public.

Join www.garynorth.com to learn exactly how to go through college <-- most important part of this post.

[LibertiORDeth]

Career politicians are why we are in this mess we are in now. If you decide to go into politics do it as a statesmen and do it as a duty to the country. Even better advice, follow Ron Paul's platform :D

Alright, but how do I support my family?

[j0ew00ds]

History, Constitutional Law, International Relations, economics, business, medicine, IT, sociology... whatever interests you. BTW, you don't have to major in politics either.

[LibertiORDeth]

Well, you don't major in Political Science, first. P.Science will only help you become a teacher.

Major in English and minor in something else that interests you that's not P. Science.

Join debate clubs and toast masters to learn to speak in public.

Join www.garynorth.com to learn exactly how to go through college <-- most important part of this post.

Would a Minor in Philosophy be good?

[RobS]

Would a Minor in Philosophy be good?

Do whatever you want. There is nothing in the Constitution saying you need a certain type of degree to become a public servant. Politicians should be from all walks of life. Look at the good Doctor!

Find something that is really interesting to you, for me that would be computers, then work on the side at getting into government at the local level. You can work your way up from there.

[LibertiORDeth]

Career politicians are why we are in this mess we are in now. If you decide to go into politics do it as a statesmen and do it as a duty to the country. Even better advice, follow Ron Paul's platform :D

I'm not interested in it because I WANT to be a politician, I feel the need to help our country out of the mess it is in.

[LibertiORDeth]

Do whatever you want. There is nothing in the Constitution saying you need a certain type of degree to become a public servant. Politicians should be from all walks of life. Look at the good Doctor!

Find something that is really interesting to you, for me that would be computers, then work on the side at getting into government at the local level. You can work your way up from there.

So I should start with a non-related career. With politics on the side.

[Syren123]

Alright, but how do I support my family?

With a job.
If you want to serve, then run for political office to serve. If you want a career, get a real job.

[Syren123]

I'm not interested in it because I WANT to be a politician, I feel the need to help our country out of the mess it is in.

Then study Austrian economics for sure, and an unrevised history of the United States, not the official government version you learned in public school. Be sure to put yourself through a thorough deprogramming so you are not flimflammed by the socialist/liberal/globalist charlatans who run, lobby, and work in Washington.

You should be fine.

[Nate K]

luke i'll be pursuing a career in politics too, hit me up on AIM at NCZ Nate

if we work together we can cover more ground.

[LibertiORDeth]

Then study Austrian economics for sure, and an unrevised history of the United States, not the official government version you learned in public school. Be sure to put yourself through a thorough deprogramming so you are not flimflammed by the socialist/liberal/globalist charlatans who run, lobby, and work in Washington.

You should be fine.

Considering being a pilot, so it sounds smart to stick with that, and work my way into politics.

[LibertiORDeth]

luke i'll be pursuing a career in politics too, hit me up on AIM at NCZ Nate

if we work together we can cover more ground.

Sounds good, don't have either of those though, just PM me for now :)

[Scott K]

Would a Minor in Philosophy be good?

I can't tell you. You really need to sign up for $14 to garynorth.com. He will tell you how it is. You can ask him questions in his forums.

Here's a free article from lewrockwell

http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north303.html


Instead of going to college full time at 18, a wise student will seek employment by a company on a part-time basis and take his college work by examination. His college degree will cost him $12,000 instead of costing his parents $35,000 to $140,000. He can pay his own way through school. He can gain his independence at 18.

He will be trained on the job by people who know how to make a buck. He will have a four-year to six-year head start on his peers. At age 22 or 23, he will have a college degree and work experience that will impress a would-be employer. He will be in a position to rise in the existing chain of command because his employer knows he is now a marketable commodity in the business world. The employer will have to pay him more money.

Very few students do this, and very few parents even consider asking their college-bound children to do this. By the way, 60% of all students who start college fail to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. The money spent by their parents on tuition, books, room, and board goes down the drain. Talk about a high-risk crap shoot!

If parents would set aside half of the money they planned to spend on a child’s education and give the child this money as a college graduation present, the parents would be far better off, and the new graduate could make a down payment on a house or start a business.

"by examination" means clep tests.

If you learn from him you will be 10 steps ahead of anyone of your friends. I really wish I knew about him before I went to college. He speaks the truth

[LibertiORDeth]

Being a pilot pays well, some 10-15 grand a month so thats a good start, cause every campaign needs money.

my plan is

go to college graduate with fanance degree, go to law school, become a lawyer for 5-10 years by the age of 30 run for us representatives. :), take constitutional law.

Aren't you going to start out with like city council?

[justinc.1089]

Major in whatever can make you the most money. Once you have money and a degree you can pursue some political position. Thats my plan.

[madRazor]

Yeah I think voters would find it easier to place their trust in you if you had professionally contributed to society in some way before getting into politics. So major in whatever you want, work at whatever you want, live honorably, get truly educated, and then start with local politics.

My $.02

[LibertiORDeth]

I can't tell you. You really need to sign up for $14 to garynorth.com. He will tell you how it is. You can ask him questions in his forums.

Here's a free article from lewrockwell

http://www.lewrockwell.com/north/north303.html



"by examination" means clep tests.

If you learn from him you will be 10 steps ahead of anyone of your friends. I really wish I knew about him before I went to college. He speaks the truth

So garynorth.com is about investing properly?

Could you expound on what you mean by "clep tests"? Also, how do I relate this to my probable future career? (As a pilot)

[tsetsefly]

Would a Minor in Philosophy be good?

no, I would study economics(lol i do actually), if you dont like economics that much then just get a minor in economics...

I would study psychology, learn how to influence and manipulate, lol...

What you need first is the right ideas, as Dr. Paul shows you dont need a degree to get that...

So I would focus on a degree that help you with leadership skills, communication skills and like i said a minor in economics...

[newmedia4ron]

http://www.declarefreedom08.com/
http://ronpaulsacrossamerica.com/
http://libertycongress.org/
http://www.paulcongress.com/
http://www.libertysurge.org/

[tsetsefly]

Major in whatever can make you the most money. Once you have money and a degree you can pursue some political position. Thats my plan.

haha, that is my plan... make money and in 10 years or so run for something...

[LibertiORDeth]

Thanks for the input, I need all the help I can get :)

[gpickett00]

Major in whatever you want. Get a job and become an established citizen before jumping into politics. You don't see kids graduating college then becoming senators. Join the military and get college paid for or something. Become a doctor then go to politics. Just pursue a career where you have a backup plan for if you don't get exactly what you want.

[AceNZ]

Then study Austrian economics for sure, and an unrevised history of the United States, not the official government version you learned in public school. Be sure to put yourself through a thorough deprogramming so you are not flimflammed by the socialist/liberal/globalist charlatans who run, lobby, and work in Washington.

You should be fine.

+1. Great advice!



go to college graduate with fanance degree, go to law school, become a lawyer for 5-10 years by the age of 30 run for us representatives. :), take constitutional law.

Please don't become a lawyer. The last thing we need is more lawyers in government (or anywhere).

IMO, your time is better spent on the things suggested above.

Also, be sure to practice public speaking and debating. Study the art of persuasion.


As far as how to make a living, I would suggest a job that involves growth into a leadership position. Voters will be more comfortable with you if you can show a history of accomplishment and success (being a lawyer these days projects a feeling of distrust) -- more than just being a "good employee".

Volunteer work can also be a good way to build some respectability and experience. And you might want to get involved with your local GOP organization in some way. Having party connections will be very important when the time comes.

[Primbs]

Take a few political science classes in campaign management and marketing.

It is always good to have a backup career with lots of money.

[Scott K]

So garynorth.com is about investing properly?

Could you expound on what you mean by "clep tests"? Also, how do I relate this to my probable future career? (As a pilot)

Clep tests allow you to get 3-4 college credits per course for an hour long test. Almost every college accepts them. So, you can complete a college course in 1 hour instead of 16 weeks.

Sign up at your community college (cc) and take a few courses, while studing for clep tests. You will take regular college courses and clep tests at the same time. You'll be done with (cc) in less than a year. If your really determined you can finish (cc) in one semester. But, call your (cc) up and ask them how they handle clep (they will tell you how many clep tests they accept for an associates).

Then, go to a major university and see how many clep tests they allow you to do for credit.

Most likely, if you commit, you can finish college in 2 years at less than half the price others pay, and you'll have an associates and bachelor's degree.

At gaynorth.com, he mainly talks about college, investing, and marketing.

Being a pilot is great if that's what you want, however you can't get rich being a pilot. But, you could get rich owning your own pilot training business. i.e. you can only get rich by owning your own business.

[austin356]

no need to major in Political Science unless you specifically want to. I am doing a major in Business Management and minor in Political Science.

Its about majoring what you like (so long as it is fairly relevant) but I think Business is the best option because it is so broad based and gives you better management skills (mega plus for running any campaign).

Here is my opinion of the effective majors to combine with a political science major:
-Management
-IR
-Econ
-History
-Law

[Bradley in DC]

Train for a profession you like (pilot sounds great). Learn how to think and how to learn. Learning a second language is a great way to train your mind. Study Latin if you're timid about it, and it would help with your English and a possible law or medical career (I still thank the Jesuits in high school for that).

Austrian economics is a definite plus--it's far broader and more practical than you're thinking. It's about the study of human action. Check out some of the posts in my signature. Read history too, Max Weber, Hayek, Lord Acton, et al., and the works of the Founding Fathers.

Get involved early (tomorrow) with your local Republican Party, volunteer, make a name for yourself. They may ask you to run for something after a short time. You might be able to run a small race. By request, I managed a state rep race back in 1990 right out of college (in addition to my real job forecasting foreign exchange rates) after I had been volunteering actively on a Congressional race.

[danberkeley]

I'm majoring in Business. Get rich and have kids first. Raise family and retire. Then I'll worry about saving societies problems.

[StudentForPaul08]

I already got accepted to a college for Political Science. From reading this thread did i make the wrong choice? i know i can change my major but now i feel as if idk what to do!


eeek. what major now?

[Nate K]

I already got accepted to a college for Political Science. From reading this thread did i make the wrong choice? i know i can change my major but now i feel as if idk what to do!


eeek. what major now?

you didn't make a mistake, go with what you want!

[Nate K]

Train for a profession you like (pilot sounds great). Learn how to think and how to learn. Learning a second language is a great way to train your mind. Study Latin if you're timid about it, and it would help with your English and a possible law or medical career (I still thank the Jesuits in high school for that).

Austrian economics is a definite plus--it's far broader and more practical than you're thinking. It's about the study of human action. Check out some of the posts in my signature. Read history too, Max Weber, Hayek, Lord Acton, et al., and the works of the Founding Fathers.

Get involved early (tomorrow) with your local Republican Party, volunteer, make a name for yourself. They may ask you to run for something after a short time. You might be able to run a small race. By request, I managed a state rep race back in 1990 right out of college (in addition to my real job forecasting foreign exchange rates) after I had been volunteering actively on a Congressional race.

very good post. the part about volunteering with the party has inspired me.

[philipsantamaria]

I advise you study a social science ... sociology is great

i got bachelors degrees in sociology and in english (two, count em two) AND a minor in Asian Studies (mostly Chinese/Japanese) in 4 years.

now i'm in law school, if I graduate, I'll be 25.
I plan to keep going afterwards...would love to get a Ph.D. in something.

most likely you know how government works...political science, with the exception of Constitutional Courses and maybe electives....are not that practical.

and i doubt the school your attending will teach Austrian Econ. You can teach yourself that on the side... you'll probably be reading alot of stuff on the side.

[Bradley in DC]

you didn't make a mistake, go with what you want!

+1

Learn how to learn and how to think. Those are skills you'll be able to apply more broadly the rest of your life.

[RockHoward]

You almost certainly cannot be a Ron Paul style politician and stick to your guns if serving in office is your only way to support your family (or if your family gets used to a level of income that you can only get by becoming a career politician.) Every other politician in Congress besides Ron Paul (and a few newbies who have just arrived) has sold out. What makes you think that you would be different? Having an alternative career to fall back on is vital just so that you can maintain your integrity.

There is a way to make politics your career, although it will likely be an austere life. That is to learn how to manage or do accounting or perform some other vital function for political campaigns. This probably includes learning how to be a top staffer for a political officeholder. The money won't be great and therefore the pressure to "sell out" will also be ever present, but there should be enough work in the years ahead in the form of supporting the new breed of Ron Paul inspired candidates. It is unlikely that this sort of career can lead to a run for office yourself, but it has happened before.

Another career that can keep you involved in politics is journalism. All the same pressures about sticking to your guns versus selling out will apply, but once again it seems that the market for freedom oriented news is starting to blossom.

Just some ideas to kick around...

[LibertiORDeth]

Train for a profession you like (pilot sounds great). Learn how to think and how to learn. Learning a second language is a great way to train your mind. Study Latin if you're timid about it, and it would help with your English and a possible law or medical career (I still thank the Jesuits in high school for that).

Austrian economics is a definite plus--it's far broader and more practical than you're thinking. It's about the study of human action. Check out some of the posts in my signature. Read history too, Max Weber, Hayek, Lord Acton, et al., and the works of the Founding Fathers.

Get involved early (tomorrow) with your local Republican Party, volunteer, make a name for yourself. They may ask you to run for something after a short time. You might be able to run a small race. By request, I managed a state rep race back in 1990 right out of college (in addition to my real job forecasting foreign exchange rates) after I had been volunteering actively on a Congressional race.

Great input, thanks.

[shida]

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[LibertiORDeth]

Clep tests allow you to get 3-4 college credits per course for an hour long test. Almost every college accepts them. So, you can complete a college course in 1 hour instead of 16 weeks.

Sign up at your community college (cc) and take a few courses, while studing for clep tests. You will take regular college courses and clep tests at the same time. You'll be done with (cc) in less than a year. If your really determined you can finish (cc) in one semester. But, call your (cc) up and ask them how they handle clep (they will tell you how many clep tests they accept for an associates).

Then, go to a major university and see how many clep tests they allow you to do for credit.

Most likely, if you commit, you can finish college in 2 years at less than half the price others pay, and you'll have an associates and bachelor's degree.

At gaynorth.com, he mainly talks about college, investing, and marketing.

Being a pilot is great if that's what you want, however you can't get rich being a pilot. But, you could get rich owning your own pilot training business. i.e. you can only get rich by owning your own business.

Thanks a lot. I do not need to get rich, just make a living.
I looked up Clep tests, so basically what you are saying is to take some classes, but mostly study on your own and pass the Clep tests?

[Primbs]

I already got accepted to a college for Political Science. From reading this thread did i make the wrong choice? i know i can change my major but now i feel as if idk what to do!


eeek. what major now?

Political Science isn't bad. Depending on the school and teachers, you will learn about politics and campaigns. You will have to learn about this eventually if you want to be in politics.

The other part of politics is financial. To fund political activities you want to major in business, marketing etc. An old saying is "You can't save the world if you can't pay the rent." Politics is expensive, so learn about personal finance, investing etc.

Get a double major or a minor in economics, finance, management etc.

[Scott K]

I looked up Clep tests, so basically what you are saying is to take some classes, but mostly study on your own and pass the Clep tests?

Yes, but you have to talk to the college you plan to attend and ask them what their policy is on clep tests. Although almost colleges accept clep tests for credit, they also want your money.

So, you are required to take a minimum number of their courses.

Also, clep tests do cost money (I think like $200 a test), but they are way cheaper and a ton faster than taking courses.

If I where you,

I'd talk to the college and layout a normal 2/4 year schedule for your major/minor
Then, I'd replace one course with a clep test (something your good at - like math, english, etc.)
I'd buy a clep study book for that subject (about $15) and study
I'd take the clep test to see how I did


Clep test's are often much easier than what you think going in, however some can be tuff; You never know if it will be easy or hard so you have to study.

If you didn't like taking the clep tests or do well, then you only spent $215 to test it out. (You can always retake the tests, but you have pay the $200 again). If you did well on the test, then you can continue replacing college courses with clep tests.

It might not be for you if your not a test taker, however you will never know unless you try it yourself.

Talk to the college consular and tell him your plan. Make sure they accept clep test of the course you're replacing. Most would be happy to help you work out a schedule. Although, some might try to talk you out of it because the college doesn't make much money off you when you go the clep route of schooling.

[LibertiORDeth]

Yes, but you have to talk to the college you plan to attend and ask them what their policy is on clep tests. Although almost colleges accept clep tests for credit, they also want your money.

So, you are required to take a minimum number of their courses.

Also, clep tests do cost money (I think like $200 a test), but they are way cheaper and a ton faster than taking courses.

If I where you,

I'd talk to the college and layout a normal 2/4 year schedule for your major/minor
Then, I'd replace one course with a clep test (something your good at - like math, english, etc.)
I'd buy a clep study book for that subject (about $15) and study
I'd take the clep test to see how I did


Clep test's are often much easier than what you think going in, however some can be tuff; You never know if it will be easy or hard so you have to study.

If you didn't like taking the clep tests or do well, then you only spent $215 to test it out. (You can always retake the tests, but you have pay the $200 again). If you did well on the test, then you can continue replacing college courses with clep tests.

It might not be for you if your not a test taker, however you will never know unless you try it yourself.

Talk to the college consular and tell him your plan. Make sure they accept clep test of the course you're replacing. Most would be happy to help you work out a schedule. Although, some might try to talk you out of it because the college doesn't make much money off you when you go the clep route of schooling.

Alright thanks alot.

[JonH]

I think that getting a political degree and assisting in advancing our agenda would be a great way to help out. As much as we despise politicians and lawyers, we need as many people as possible with deep knowledge of politics. We need judges, lawyers, professors, and what-not. We can't just focus on money careers.

Think about it, how great would it be, to have more judges who do not place government edicts ahead or personal liberty? How about having more lawyers willing to defend individuals who have run up against tyrannical laws? Wouldn't it be awesome, if some of those professors and teachers could highlight some of the worst crimes our government, under the control of either party, has committed, possibly influencing more young people? Not all lobbyists are bad, perhaps some of us could assist in the cause of a few pro-liberty lobbies?

We also need people that know how to run campaigns, influence public opinion, etc... We can't all be congressmen, governors, and presidents, some of us must act at a low level, running campaigns and working as aides to peple like Ron Paul at all levels of government.

[Cowlesy]

Take communications classes.

Being a terrific speaker and having the ability to convey ideas is probably 50% of the battle. Being a policy wonk and having a brain full of facts will only get you so far.

Find out what people want, and show them how your freedom message gives them what they want. It takes some finesse, but works very well.

[Nicketas]

I like cookies.

[Spirit of '76]

You should attend some of the training workshops offered by the Leadership Institute.

http://www.leadershipinstitute.org/

Many of the workshops are free, and you'll meet people and learn a lot. They have training all over the country, including "Future Candidate School", grassroots campaign schools, public relations schools, etc.

Dr. Paul is on the board of advisors. I recently got a mailer from them that had a picture of Jeff Frazee on it.

[TaxProtester]

+1

Learn how to learn and how to think. Those are skills you'll be able to apply more broadly the rest of your life.

That sounds like a Philosophy major to me. :D

[Xenophage]

If all you're interested in is politics, and running for office, then you should consider authoring books, becoming a public speaker, becoming a teacher, becoming a lawyer... or... something else along those lines if you can think of it. Have a real career to support your political endeavors.

[mmink15]

good thread, let me ask this: Is it possible to run for,and win a office without a college degree?
As a musician by career, college was less realistic for me than just jumping into my career field and "learning by doing". While I do not consider myself electable, I consider my brother very electable to public office(he was always the responsible one). However he has no college degree either, he worked himself through a few business courses and is now an office manager at a successful local business, working his way up through the company to his high position and he is only 26. My brother has a wife and 2 children, he is 6'2" with fiery red hair and has proven to be a very good leader through school and business. Our last name is Mink so we have a great slogan in "Think Mink" and a great platform via the Ron Paul rEVOLution, what's the next step? What can I do to get a campaign rolling for him?