Benjamin Todd

Working for a politician, for example as a researcher or staffer, is often the first step into political and policy positions.

It's also demanding, prestigious, and gives you lots of connections.

Our impression is that the very top staffers often have graduate degrees, sometimes including degrees from top law schools.

From this path, it's also common to move into the executive branch, or to seek elected office.

Working on a political campaign.

Some of the top people who work on winning campaigns eventually get high-impact positions in the executive branch.

This is a high-risk strategy.

It only pays off if your candidate wins.

And even then, not everybody on the campaign staff will get influential jobs or jobs in the areas they care about.

Running for office yourself involves a similar high-risk, high-reward dynamic.

Think tank research roles.

These can help you learn about social issues, are reasonably prestigious, and open up options in policy and the social sector.

And entry-level roles in the executive branch.

In the US, you could take an entry-level role as a federal employee, ideally working on something relevant to a problem you want to help solve.

Elsewhere, look for relevant entry-level roles in the executive branch, like the UK Civil Service.

As with all options, whether these roles are a good option for building career capital depends on the specific job and the people you'll be working with.

Will you get good mentorship?

What's their reputation in the field?

Do they have good character?

Does their policy agenda seem positive?