No one can call the 2012 GOP primary
race boring. From colorful candidates to scandalous revelations, the
Republican field has given political pundits and late night talk show
hosts plenty to discuss. In addition, unlike past contests, which were
decided almost before they began, the 2012 race promises to go down to
the wire.
On March 6th, the remaining candidates -- Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich -- geared up for the Super Tuesday primaries. With six states holding elections and 322 delegates up for grabs, Super Tuesday was widely considered one of the most important days of the primary season. However, the candidates weren't working alone. Instead, they relied on a dedicated team of staffers to help them on their way to victory.
5 careers that can make or break a campaign
1. Campaign manager
Arguably more important than the candidates themselves in some instances, campaign managers often act as the CEO of a campaign. Not only do they map out the overall campaign strategy, but they are responsible for deciding how to allocate campaign resources and manpower, overseeing the development of a campaign message and negotiating critical endorsements.
Campaign managers must be able to react quickly, and excellent people skills are a must in a job that involves navigating the tricky terrain of political alliances and hot button issues. Degrees in political science or communications are good choices for campaign managers, but you should consider also hitting the streets as a volunteer for your current favorite candidate to gain experience.
2. Policy advisors
When it comes to creating compelling public policy proposals, candidates often turn to experienced advisors who can help them flesh out their ideas. Having the right people backing a proposal can make or break its credibility with both opponents and the general public. When former presidential hopeful Herman Cain announced his 9-9-9 tax proposal, other candidates jumped at the chance to say it was not economically sound, and Politico noted Cain's advisor for the plan was not even an economist.
Those working as policy advisors should be experts in their field, whether that is economics, education or energy. In addition, a background in politics and public administration is helpful. Policy advisors must be able to work well with others since they may play a role in creating the campaign theme on a particular issue or proposal, and good communication skills are also critical.
3. Press secretary
Sometimes known as the communications director or the media manager, the press secretary is the mouthpiece for a campaign. In addition to responding to media and interview requests, the press secretary must be able to deftly sidestep awkward questions while also seeking out opportunities to create a positive media presence for a candidate.
Degrees in communications, journalism or English can all provide some of the skills press secretaries need. Public relations and marketing know-how is also essential. The press secretary and communications office may be involved in developing the overall campaign theme and advertising messages.
4. Webmaster
President Barack Obama changed the game when he made significant use of the Internet and social media during the 2008 presidential race. Candidates can no longer ignore the impact of the virtual world. Today's presidential campaigns make use of interactive websites, word-of-mouth advertising and social media marketing. At the center of this online activity are the webmaster and other information technology specialists.
While a public relations background may be important for some workers whose duties include social media marketing, webmasters generally need an IT education. Degrees in computer science, computer engineering or information technology are good backgrounds for web administrators.
5. Pollster
Finally, most campaigns either employ or consult with a pollster who can help them gauge public reaction to their candidate and message. These market and survey research professionals can highlight a campaign's strengths as well as pinpoint weaknesses to be addressed.
Pollsters can come from many backgrounds. They may be statisticians or social scientists. Most have at least a bachelor's degree although some have master's degrees in business administration, social sciences or a related field. As professionals that work with numbers, pollsters should have a strong interest in statistics as well as an understanding of marketing, consumer behavior and psychology.
A career in politics doesn't mean you have to put your name on the ballot. Some of these behind-the-scenes political professionals have just as much influence -- and all the campaign excitement -- as the candidates themselves.
On March 6th, the remaining candidates -- Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich -- geared up for the Super Tuesday primaries. With six states holding elections and 322 delegates up for grabs, Super Tuesday was widely considered one of the most important days of the primary season. However, the candidates weren't working alone. Instead, they relied on a dedicated team of staffers to help them on their way to victory.
5 careers that can make or break a campaign
1. Campaign manager
Arguably more important than the candidates themselves in some instances, campaign managers often act as the CEO of a campaign. Not only do they map out the overall campaign strategy, but they are responsible for deciding how to allocate campaign resources and manpower, overseeing the development of a campaign message and negotiating critical endorsements.
Campaign managers must be able to react quickly, and excellent people skills are a must in a job that involves navigating the tricky terrain of political alliances and hot button issues. Degrees in political science or communications are good choices for campaign managers, but you should consider also hitting the streets as a volunteer for your current favorite candidate to gain experience.
2. Policy advisors
When it comes to creating compelling public policy proposals, candidates often turn to experienced advisors who can help them flesh out their ideas. Having the right people backing a proposal can make or break its credibility with both opponents and the general public. When former presidential hopeful Herman Cain announced his 9-9-9 tax proposal, other candidates jumped at the chance to say it was not economically sound, and Politico noted Cain's advisor for the plan was not even an economist.
Those working as policy advisors should be experts in their field, whether that is economics, education or energy. In addition, a background in politics and public administration is helpful. Policy advisors must be able to work well with others since they may play a role in creating the campaign theme on a particular issue or proposal, and good communication skills are also critical.
3. Press secretary
Sometimes known as the communications director or the media manager, the press secretary is the mouthpiece for a campaign. In addition to responding to media and interview requests, the press secretary must be able to deftly sidestep awkward questions while also seeking out opportunities to create a positive media presence for a candidate.
Degrees in communications, journalism or English can all provide some of the skills press secretaries need. Public relations and marketing know-how is also essential. The press secretary and communications office may be involved in developing the overall campaign theme and advertising messages.
4. Webmaster
President Barack Obama changed the game when he made significant use of the Internet and social media during the 2008 presidential race. Candidates can no longer ignore the impact of the virtual world. Today's presidential campaigns make use of interactive websites, word-of-mouth advertising and social media marketing. At the center of this online activity are the webmaster and other information technology specialists.
While a public relations background may be important for some workers whose duties include social media marketing, webmasters generally need an IT education. Degrees in computer science, computer engineering or information technology are good backgrounds for web administrators.
5. Pollster
Finally, most campaigns either employ or consult with a pollster who can help them gauge public reaction to their candidate and message. These market and survey research professionals can highlight a campaign's strengths as well as pinpoint weaknesses to be addressed.
Pollsters can come from many backgrounds. They may be statisticians or social scientists. Most have at least a bachelor's degree although some have master's degrees in business administration, social sciences or a related field. As professionals that work with numbers, pollsters should have a strong interest in statistics as well as an understanding of marketing, consumer behavior and psychology.
A career in politics doesn't mean you have to put your name on the ballot. Some of these behind-the-scenes political professionals have just as much influence -- and all the campaign excitement -- as the candidates themselves.
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