answersLogoWhite

0

Lobbyist

User Avatar

Anonymous

15y ago
Updated: 9/16/2019

The word lobbyist is well-known. When hearing the word, people might think of someone that waits outside a politician’s office or sends letter after letter in an attempt to convince him to aid the lobbyists cause. While lobbyists do try to influence policy, their job is much more systematic than begging outside a politician’s door. A lobbyist is usually a former lawyer, businessman, or politician that already has some influence in the area they’re working in.

Lobbyists use their past experience as lawyers and politicians to work on behalf of companies that need to sway politicians to make decisions that are beneficial to their industry. And example would be a lobbyist that works for an oil company, speaking to politicians about energy policy and other legislation that might affect that oil industry.

There are a multitude of different lobbyists, some of which don’t work for corporations and instead work for non-profit organizations that try to influence moral decisions by politicians in regards to policy.

There is a wide range of salaries for lobbyists, with the lowest pay starting at a little over $38,000. Senior lobbyists, or those that work for lucrative firms, make $72,000 a year or more. The pay can go quite high depending on the amount of money an organization is willing to spend to make sure that its interests are protected by government.

To become a lobbyist, it’s advisable to get a degree in political science or to already have a background in law or politics. Political science degrees can be associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or doctorate degrees, with higher pay and prestige going to lobbyists that have more education. It’s a very competitive field and it requires a lot of people skills and persuasion skills to become successful. Companies need lobbyists that know how to reach politicians and influence their decisions through clear presentation and logic.

If someone has an interest in political science and the way government functions, as well as a desire to shape policy, earning a degree in political science and beginning a career as a lobbyist can be a very rewarding life decision. The end result could mean that the person will truly make a difference in how industry and law is constructed.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?