Lobbyist

Abraham Lincoln famously called America’s democracy a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Back when the U.S. population was measured in millions, that sort of government was doable. Now that it’s measured in the hundreds of millions, however, democracy is a much more difficult proposition. It’s kind of like whispering your order in a crowded restaurant and expecting the Waiter across the room to hear it.

In order to turn the volume up on their voices — loud enough for their local, state, and federal government to hear them over the din of millions — individuals therefore form associations and special interest groups in order to represent them.

When you’re a Lobbyist, you’re essentially a Courier who delivers those interest groups’ messages to Politicians and policymakers. Employed by communications and lobbying firms, which are hired by companies, organizations, and industries, you meet with your clients about their wishes, opinions, and interests, and then represent them in meetings with Lawmakers, during which you try to influence votes on pending legislation, as well as the parameters of the legislation itself.

Of course, you don’t just represent your clients to Lawmakers as a Lobbyist; you also represent laws to your clients — and the general public — by creating press releases, press conferences, pamphlets, and presentations to help them decipher the content and potential impact of bills so they can react.

Whether you work for Animal Rights Activists, big business, labor unions, or any of countless other interest groups, you’re basically the political equivalent of a Public Relations Representative: You’re paid to persuade when your a lobbyist!