In today’s tumultuous political climate, it can be tough to decide whether a career in politics is the right fit for you. If you want to create change, delving into running for office may be your next career move. Here, Drexel Heard II is sharing what you need to consider when deciding whether you’re cut out for the political arena.
How’s Your Self-Confidence?
When you decide to run for office as a politician, you’ll need to have a thick skin to stand up against the harsh words you’ll hear from both your opponent and voters. Your confidence needs to shine through when you speak and interact with others, and it’s important that you’re able to keep your head on straight and remember what you stand for, even when others question what you’re all about. If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to withstand the difficulties of the campaign trail, talk with a close colleague about whether they think you’re tough enough to get a campaign started, according to Drexel Heard II.
What’s Your Network Like?
Unfortunately, there’s no way around it: the vast majority of successful political campaigns require large donations, says Drexel Heard II. Whether you’re interested in crowdfunding and are working on getting many small donations from your supporters or you’re working with a few large donors to move your campaign forward, networking is key to getting your campaign up and running. If you haven’t built a large network yet, this may be a good time to volunteer for a campaign and get to know those who are dependable supporters of your party.
Can You Brush Yourself Off and Try Again?
When it comes to success in politics, most people have to give it a few tries before they get it right. If you’re interested in becoming a politician as a career choice, it’s important that you have the ability to carefully examine where you went wrong and what you can improve the next time you run for office.
