There’s no secret that the world of American politics has predominantly been made up of male politicians. As it stands, women account for less than 20% of the House of Representatives, and just over 20% when it comes to the Senate. These are rather dismal numbers as far as women politicians goes, but times are changing. There are a number of factors in play that are urging women to be more proactive and run for seats in government.
All you have to do is take a look at the extremely popular and robust #MeToo movement to know this moment feels different and women are now moving into the forefront not just in politics but in all industries. If you’re a woman who has been toying with the idea of getting started in a career in politics but aren’t really sure when to begin, then here are some helpful tips and steps that can get you on your way.
Attend University and Get Your Masters
While there is no rule that says you must possess a Masters in order to get involved in politics, the fact of the matter is that a Masters is going to help you to progress in your career, no matter what that career may be. George Washington University offers a Master’s in Political Management that will provide you with all the skills, knowledge, and tools you need to get out there and start making a mark in the world.
To make things even more convenient, students can enrol in the George Washington University online Masters program, which means you can do all the work from home. This allows you to continue working in the meantime, making the university degree much more affordable.
Volunteer in a Campaign
Another big step is to volunteer in an active campaign. There is really no better way to learn about what it’s like to be in politics than by working the front lines. Campaign work isn’t glamorous, and it usually requires a lot of very long hours, but the experience is well worth it. Not only will you learn about the workings of a campaign and what it takes to run one smoothly, you’ll also be networking and meeting all kinds of contacts that can help you down the road. It’s also a great way to engage with the public, who could be your constituents one day.
Become Informed on the Issues
In order to be a successful politician you need to be very well-versed on the issues of the day. Not just the issues affecting your community but your region, state, country, and the world as a whole. The more educated you become and the more informed you are, the more likely you will be to form strong stances on issues.
Completely Committing to the Cause
For those women looking to get involved in politics, there truly has never been such an opportune time. This is the moment to commit to a cause and really work towards making change.
