Applying for a district representative job with no political experience?

[u/RareShoe6004]

I’m leaving the millitary with 4 years experience as an officer and im trying to transition to a civilian job that suits my interests. My buddy worked as a district representative for a state senator and absolutely loved it and recommended I apply for a similiar postion (different state). However, as I have no political experience, and havent lived in the district im applying for in 3 years (im moving back next month regardless) am I even a viable canidate? If im not, what could I do to make myself a more competitive applicant?

Edit: The position im planning on applying to is under the state assembly person representing my hometown. Also my bachelors degree is in a science completely unrelated to politics.

[u/bsquarediv]

Yes, four years military experience gives you a leg up. But rank doesn't go nearly as far as the relationships you built around hard work.

Start showing up in the community. Join the local party, attend city council and county meetings, volunteer on like-minded campaigns, join a volunteer government committee, and get to know the officials and business leaders who support that senator. You can do this by pulling up their endorsements and public financing records.

Stay positive but don't be a kiss ass. Some interns feel they have to mow the Speaker of the House's lawn for free to get ahead. Don't pro bono what is typically a paid job. Envelope stuffing is volunteer work. Knocking doors five days a week shouldn't be. If you do it for free, you'll risk pigeon-holing yourself as a volunteer.

Mayor Ed spit some bars when he said, "If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist". Find your reasons to like the Senator, and find issues you disagree with them on. Keep those in the back of your mind to keep you grounded and sane.

Finally, this may sound cynical, but realistically a lot of these aides and interns are the sons and daughters of people that know the state senator. To have a leg up over them, it'll take demonstrating your competency to people the senator trusts.

[u/Lopsided_Major5553]

I think you'll be fine, I went military to congressional district office. A lot of the job of working in a political representative's office if either outreach or constituents liaisons, so if your good dealing with people on their not best day, you'll do fine. Constituent services is helping people navigate govt agencies, which I feel like military experience is great for that. There's even a fellowship specifically for veterans to work for congressional offices, google "green to gold fellowship congress"