An Insiders Guide to Political Jobs in Washington

The author does a great job describing the types of political jobs that are available - truly valuable to someone with little or no knowledge of the DC job structure. Following this, the reader learns how to actually get these jobs. The authors experience and knowledge really shine through, and there is no one better than Bill Endicott to explain the process of finding a job. In addition, the case studies present to the reader descriptions of how individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (and party affiliations) not only landed the coveted first job, but also how they had worked their way up the ranks.

Whether you are a student looking to land that first political job or a professional looking to make a career change into politics, read this book to gain an understanding of political jobs that is unavailable anywhere else. I can honestly admit that without "An Insiders Guide to Political Jobs in Washington," I would have never developed a successful plan and would have never landed a great job.

Particularly instructive is the discussion of working in the White House. Regular "West Wing" viewers may get the impression that the chief of staff, the press secretary and the office of communications is pretty much all there is. The book introduces the reader to almost 50 different offices and a variety of different jobs that serve the immediate needs of the President and his senior staff. While one might get the impression from television and movies that jobs working for the President are out of reach, Endicott dispels that myth.

One might expect a practical "how to" book of such detailed quality to suffer from air of cynicism about the entire process. The absence of that outlook is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable aspects of the book. Bill Endicott believes in the process and he offers a passionate defense of both politics and service. Beyond offering the reader roadmaps to successful political careers, Endicott defends service within the political process. In Endicotts Washington, anyone with a strong desire to serve can use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to their country. That is an optimistic proposition, but it is supported by strong empirical evidence throughout the book.

For those inclined to ask John F. Kennedys eternal question, "what you can do for your country?", Endicotts book reveals where and how to find the answer.

These questions and others are precisely what Endicotts detailed description of the political process and his insightful case studies aim to help answer. His years in Washington offer a rich context that shines through in his colorful interviews and anecdotes. Endicotts exhaustive compilation of opportunities available in Washington will be an invaluable resource for aspiring politicos and may even inspire those who like to dabble in politics once in a while to consider public service. Students all over the country will be grateful for Endicotts thoroughness as they will no longer have to rely on word of mouth to get the skinny on what Beltway politics is really like.