<p>I want to go into politics, but I have absolutely no idea how to get my foot in the door. I go to a a decent public school and am in the honors program, but I feel as if graduates from ivy leagues and other top schools have an advantage due to networking and alumni connections. any advice?</p>
<p>You should make a lot of money and buy your way into politics.</p>
<p>That method works more often than not.</p>
<p>i'd prefer to do it the honorable way. you know, working hard and such.</p>
<p>shocking, i know!</p>
<p>Making a lot of money and buying your way into politics is the "working hard" way.</p>
<p>Nowadays, money talks and **** walks.</p>
<p>Do you want to get involved in partisan politics or a single-issue cause? If the former interests, you, try to get an internship at a local/regional office for a congressman or senator from you your party. Also, join your party's organization on campus and try to become an officer. Look for summer internships with politicians or organizations affiliated with your party in Washington, DC or your state capital.</p>
<p>No you don't need huge cash to get into government. There's plenty of routes besides being a lawyer chasing ambulances and making class-action suits. You just have to get your foot in the door meeting names and faces. If you can't do it in DC, try getting an internship with a state senator or legislator. You'll meet a lot of politicians and its where many politicians go to get the credentials they'll need to get into national politics. My local congressman, Eric Cantor, was a former VA government legislator, and now is the Deputy Whip for the House Republicans. By meeting the faces and getting to know the state politicians, you'll get networked into the political circles, even if only by a foot. From there, maybe you can get a Washington internship... then a small full time job in a DC office... then become a policy adviser to one of these guys. At this point, you've become a face, other politicians will come to you to ask about your employer's policies, because you'll know more than he does. He'll ask you to update him on research, advise him on constituent opinions, and even ask you which way he should vote on a bill he doesn't understand. You'll also receive constituents without the money and connections to be taking him to a $500 lunch. Anyhow, you can eventually get the credentials to run perhaps within your state, then work your way up the party in there, and hopefully one day run for a seat in Congress. OR run for the position of governor, which is usually a better way to go to the presidency as you're coming from a position of executive authority.</p>
<p>Alternatively, you could intern with grassroots organizing organizations to get a feel for how to develop political capital (this is what Obama did). From there, you get a job with said organization, becoming better and better known in the community. You develop your eloquence and charisma, as well as your intuitive senses and abilities to quickly connect with ordinary individuals. If a liberal (religious or not), you should work in urban areas where you can use this technique to connect with thousands, tens of thousands of voters who want to see more government programs. If religious (whether liberal or conservative), faith-based grassroots organizing can work even over large rural areas, as you take advantage of the church networks. If you're an atheist conservative, then you're in trouble. Whichever areas you court, you then develop political/legal credentials while maintaining connections with the grassroots organizers who were your co-workers and the organization you worked for. Finally, you campaign and use what grassroots resources you need to ensure a high turnout from usually less politically active population and win a political seat- national Senate or Congress if you truly think you can, otherwise be content with a state gov position. For the party of your choice will see you as a charismatic and popular figure, and likely favor you for bigger things.</p>