Career: Government Executives and Legislators
USDA/Ken Hammond
senatorPublic officials tackle tough problems from homelessness to terrorism. They respond to various groups who each argue that their issue, whether it's lower taxes or a better recycling program, demands top priority.
Given all that public officials face, it's hard to imagine the perfect way to prepare for the job. Maybe that's why there isn't one. While most have been to law school, their backgrounds vary and depend in part on their interests. As one elected official said, "You can't run for office just because you want to be an elected official. You need to decide what your interests are and follow them. If they lead you to elected office, great."
Government executives and legislators work at the federal, state, and local levels to direct government activities and pass laws. These officials include the president and vice president of the United States, members of Congress, governors, and city council members.
“You need to have absolute passion for what you're doing. You are working all the time, and you need to have the emotional energy behind that work to be successful.”
Victoria, Elected County Commissioner
Are You Ready To...?
- Oversee budgets and programs
- Develop, enact, or change laws
- Nominate citizens to serve on committees
- Make speeches
- Study reports
- Hear testimony
- Make deals
- Attend meetings
It Helps to Be...
A strong communicator. You'll be giving lots of public speeches. You'll be networking -- meeting and staying in touch with many people. And you'll be listening to the people you serve so you can make sure the policies and laws you develop are in their best interests.
Make High School Count
- Make the most of history and social studies to learn about the problems people have faced throughout time and the way those problems have been addressed.
- Use English classes to sharpen your writing and speaking skills.
- Run for student government and learn from your first campaign.
- Join the debate team.
- Plan a field trip to city hall or the offices of one of your representatives.
- Volunteer on a local political campaign.
- Read the news to learn about issues affecting the lives of ordinary citizens as well as the ins and outs of politics.
- Read about government executives and legislators from George Washington to the leaders of today.
Did You Know?
- Some government executives and legislators work more than forty hours a week. Others work only a few hours a week but hold other jobs to pay the bills.
Outlook
Government economists expect the number of jobs for legislators and government executives to remain about the same through 2016.
How hard is it to win an election and become a leader in government? That depends on the level of government and the size and wealth of the city, county, or state.
Compensation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legislators earned an average salary of $37,980 in 2008. In 2008, most
While the president of the
