Best Careers 2009: Politician/Elected Official

Overview. We don't normally think of politicians as the most ethical of people, so it may sound surprising that being a highly principled person is a critical requirement. Political office brings an endless stream of temptations, so it is essential that the politician start out with a strong ethical backbone. Other intangible assets: Be instantly likable, an excellent negotiator and debater, and indefatigable. For many higher-visibility posts, unfortunately, it's practically a full-time job just to get elected—even as state legislator. No sooner do you win an exhausting campaign than you must crank up your fundraising machine all over again.

You also probably need to live a squeaky-clean life. For example, in most jurisdictions, cheating on your spouse jeopardizes your career.

But for many politicians, all the hard work is well worth it. They have the opportunity to make a difference in society. Yes, the wheels of democracy turn slowly (and sometimes backward), but inexorably, those wheels move toward progress. And politicians often feel they get to see their constituents' quality of life improve. Less lofty, you feel a sense of power . . . sometimes an exaggerated sense.

A Day in the Life. Today, the legislature is in session, as it is for half the year. You're a state senator, and on arriving at your office in the capitol, your first appointment is with a lobbyist from a road construction company that donated money to your last campaign. He urges you to vote for a transportation bill that would emphasize roads over mass transit. He shows you some data suggesting that most people hate mass transit and won't use it. After he leaves, you wonder if you've been convinced on the merits or because you feel you owe him.

The debate on the transportation bill continues on the Senate floor. An influential senator taps you on the shoulder and asks you to step outside. He offers a quid pro quo: something you want in exchange for your support on the transportation bill.

After you cast your vote, there's a discussion of the governor's budget. When there's a recess, you and your chief aide plan a speech you'll make tomorrow on the topic.

Your aide hands you a couple of newspaper clippings: an article touting one of your accomplishments and a letter to the editor calling you a fool. Politicians need thick skin.

You leave the capitol to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new school you helped get funded. This part you enjoy—like most politicians, you've never met a microphone you didn't like.

Then, you're off to a spaghetti-feed fundraising dinner, followed by a long drive home; your district, like most, is large, and you're usually far from where you live.

Smart Specialty

County Schools Superintendent. Your day-to-day life in this under-the-radar niche consists of leading the planning for all the school districts in your county, guiding grant writers, lobbying legislators, and solving thorny problems like union negotiations, tax apportionment, or disputes between principals and parents.

Salary Data

Pay is all over the map, ranging from $0 for a town alderman to $400,000 a year for president of the United States. Here are a few data points:

Legislators' pay ranges from $7,200 (Texas) to $116,208 (California) Governors' salaries range from $74,145 (Arkansas) to $212,179 (California) U.S. senators and representatives earn $169,300 generally, with more pay for leadership roles

Training

No formal training is required. Many politicians start as a school board member, city councilperson, prominent attorney, or aide to an elected official. And some make their way through law enforcement channels, becoming a district attorney or judge, which requires a law degree. Typical next steps: mayor, state legislator, and later, perhaps, governor or member of the U.S. Congress. Many elected officials, however, don't aspire to higher office, largely because of the much-increased time spent fundraising and campaigning.

Learn More

• An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington by William Endicott
• Career Opportunities in Politics, Government, and Activism (2nd edition) by Joan Axelrod-Contrada
• Politicians Are People, Too by Richard Benedetto