[ID:0933]Most of this section focuses on finding employment in the competitive or permanent civil service (1.6 million people) that remain in their jobs and agencies notwithstanding new administrations and electoral change. But many young people start out in Washington, DC, working for political figures either in the Administration – the Executive Branch Departments and agencies – or in Congress for a Senator, Representative or for a Committee. Often these opportunities are preceded by political involvement in a campaign. These paths can lead to permanent work in the federal government or to a political appointment in an administration. There are many political jobs in agencies that have international responsibilities and these jobs can connect you with people who are key contributors to foreign policy in the Administration or Congress. Many Ambassadors are political appointees as opposed to civil servants, particularly in the major world capitals. However, these appointees are made from a very select group of political supporters.

Succeeding in politics is about...