How to make a career in United Russia. How to get into power? Social elevators without embellishment Do I want to become a politician

Many people are interested in politics, and there are even those who would like to connect their lives with political activities. But how realistic is this to translate into reality? Do you have the qualities that will help build a political career? What difficulties will you have to face? Let's talk about this and much more right now. Stay with us!

About politics

Significant changes have taken place in the political life of Russia over the past 20-30 years. Reforms were carried out, as a result of which politics became one of the most popular areas of activity. Parties began to be massively created, and many people thought about how to become a politician. Moreover, the requirements for those wishing to engage in such activities have changed significantly.

It is worth saying that many well-known politicians began their ascent to the heights by participating in ordinary party and youth associations. Gradually, they reached a new level and grew to major political figures. Interestingly, some came to politics without experience, simply sharing the views of one party or another. But this trend is more characteristic of our time.

What should be taken into account?

Often people are driven by the desire to simply protect their interests, the interests of the profession, property. And, of course, in this case is closer to the power necessary. In particular, it is necessary to be present in those state bodies that develop and adopt legislative acts in the area of interest to a person.

It is political activity that is the simplest form of policy implementation. And it is political struggle that is suitable as a way to defend one's own interests (that is, the interests of the party). Each politician belongs to a certain party, so this statement is quite true.

There are many directions in the political sphere, and what you choose will depend on the strategy that will need to be followed in the future. To date, the most common are conservatism, liberalism, democracy, extremism, socialism, political clericalism. So, if you want to start your political career by becoming, for example, an assistant to a deputy, then choose the path by referring yourself to any of the above political directions.

You can always start a career as a politician by working in local governments. Gradually moving up the career ladder, you can become a member of any party and work according to its charter. Only then it is possible to advance in regional, republican dumas.

Be sure to select the audience with which you plan to work - these are its goals and interests you will protect. It is important to interest people, to offer them solutions that will help make life better. And it's good if you have supporters who share your interests.

You also need to look for sponsors. Well, if there are people who are ready to allocate funds for the development of your political party.

If you take part in elections, be sure to study all your rivals. By the way, it often turns out that it is their support that later becomes of particular importance.

Also note that the electorate can make a choice based on the candidacy of a particular person, and not on the party program. So, a politician should always work on his appearance, look neat and presentable - this is not even discussed.

And, of course, one cannot but say about the character that a successful politician should have. You must be sociable, easy to win over people. In addition, you will need stress resistance, perseverance, self-discipline.

We wish you good luck in building a political career!

The people in power have great potential. Someone uses this potential for the purpose of their own enrichment, and someone wants to change the lives of their fellow citizens for the better. Therefore, more and more young people are asking the question: how to become a politician?

What qualities should a politician have?

When deciding to become a politician, sensibly evaluate your options. Analyze how your character and temperament correspond to this profession, and at the same time objectively assess whether you have the makings of a political leader.

Good politicians are distinguished by analytical thinking. They know how to build logical chains, skillfully leading their interlocutor to the right conclusions. This skill can be mastered with practice. Try to convince your fellow students of the need to participate in a general university subbotnik, justify your parents' choice of the profession of a politician, prove to your doubting friend that participation in a theater group is a very masculine occupation.

A politician must have a good memory. To be convincing, he needs to keep a lot of numbers in his head, know by face and by name more than one hundred colleagues, opponents and voters, remember historical facts and events of the recent past. If you are not yet able to keep so much information in your mind at the same time, do not despair: there are special exercises that can improve memory.

Diversification is another quality without which one cannot become a good politician. An erudite person always looks more convincing in comparison with an ignoramus. Read scientific literature, follow the events in the country and the world, get acquainted with the analytical articles of political scientists and study the biographies of prominent politicians: W. Churchill, Elizabeth II, M. Thatcher. This not only broadens one's horizons, but also creates an excellent basis for a political career.

The charisma of a leader is the key to political success. People whose energy is able to raise the masses become the first persons of the country. Someone who does not have this magnetism can attend leadership development courses many times, but still remain with the makings of an average person. In this case, choose another profession: it is better to be an excellent doctor or teacher than a mediocre politician.

How to start a political career?

Deciding to finally and irrevocably become a politician, get ready to work hard and hard. Of course, the easiest and surest way to get into the political environment is to use acquaintances and connections. But even in this case, you will have to prove to others that you are not a random person among them. Therefore, it is better to start with work in ordinary positions, because voters sympathize with deputies who made their way to the political Olympus “from the bottom”.

Getting higher education

We advise you to choose specialties related to management, international economics and the study of law. The knowledge gained at the university will become the basis for further study and honing of political skills. As a student, take an active part in the public life of the university: join the student council, take initiatives that will help you win the sympathy of fellow students and teachers and create a good reputation for you.

Volunteering

There are a lot of shelters, boarding schools, nursing homes and other institutions in the country, the inhabitants of which can be patronized. Organize a collection of toys among fellow students for children growing up in an orphanage, give a concert in front of veterans, offer students help to the management of a hospital, hospice, etc. Engage in socially useful work and be always in sight, earning authority for the future.

Membership in the youth movement

Take part in the election campaign. Most likely, at first you will be given the simplest tasks: distribute leaflets, ensure the collection of signatures. But this is also an experience, because you will see from the inside how the candidate promotion system works, and you will be able to learn self-PR.

There is a second option for getting into big politics - to get the position of an assistant to a deputy. Such a position is quite prestigious, but it is also difficult to take it, because, in addition to good grades in the diploma and knowledge of a foreign language, deputies want to see their assistants also have some experience in the field of politics.

Participation in the life of a public organization

Some aspiring politicians go the other way: they join a public organization and, speaking on its behalf at local council meetings, form their own image of a fighter for justice / animal advocate / champion of human rights (underline as necessary). At the same time, they make useful contacts with well-known people in the city and the region and prepare the ground for their own elections to the council. Further, everything is simple: they become deputies of the district / city council, earn the appropriate reputation and run for the regional council. The ultimate goal could be the State Duma or the Verkhovna Rada.

In politics through production

Most of the men who are now at the helm of the state began their careers not as politicians, but as workers who have gone from an ordinary worker to the head of an enterprise. And only having accumulated vast managerial experience, they entered politics. This way to get into the political environment is the longest, but also the most certain.

Having come into politics, you will inevitably face the need to participate in elections. It's good when you have a party behind you, whose sponsors will support your election campaign with money. However, self-nominated candidates also have chances to win the election race, who enlist the support of big businessmen, promising to lobby their interests in return.

Whom does the electorate vote for? For a person who has an unblemished reputation, who has established himself as a defender of the interests of ordinary citizens and has gone from an ordinary worker to a leader whose name is well known in wide circles.

Voters pay attention to:

marital status of the candidate for deputy. Statistics show that married people are more trusted;

education. The economist, lawyer, political scientist is more trustworthy than the philologist, culinary specialist and artist;

nationality. Alas, we have a prejudice against some nationalities. It is difficult to fight stereotypes, and politicians sometimes even change their surnames to more familiar Slavic ones.

Having decided to become a politician, do not turn into a corrupt politician. Always remember: the fate of people depends on you, and be honest with your voters.

Outstanding figures of the 20th century began their careers in the ranks of a political party: Winston Churchill at 26 and Theodore Roosevelt at 23 became members of parliament.

In Russia, young people have a chance to start even earlier, since the Constitution of the Russian Federation allows you to be elected to the State Duma from the age of 21. That is, while still a student and shooting notes from his comrades, a young man or girl has a chance to achieve political influence, a service apartment in Moscow and a foreign car with a flashing light. These, however, are still a few. The youngest deputy of the State Duma is 27 years old, and the average age of people's deputies is 49 years old. But young people are not deterred.

The party system in Russia is still in its infancy, the rules of the game are constantly changing. If you keep your nose to the wind, there is a chance to fit into the power vertical.

For a young man who is not covered by the media, like Anton Sikharulidze, or who does not have a couple of billions, like Rustam Tariko, the path to the coveted mandate begins at the lowest positions in the EdRa headquarters.

First steps

“To become a member of the United Russia party, it is enough to come to one of the regional branches of the party or to the central headquarters on Konnogvardeisky Boulevard. To begin with, a young man will be offered to become a supporter of the party. This means that within 3 months he is obliged to take part in all party events - congresses, street actions, pickets, - says Nikolai Konstantinov, chairman of the executive committee of United Russia in St. Petersburg.

If a young man has career ambitions, then he should conduct propaganda and agitation as if he were Demosthenes and Cicero in one person. The orders of senior comrades must be carried out with particular care, demonstrating 150% diligence and accuracy.

“The most important qualities in order to get on the party list, which gives the right to receive a deputy mandate, are sociability, energy and purposefulness,” sums up Nikolai Konstantinov.

The formal structure of United Russia provides for three full-time positions in each district of the city and 25 positions in the city headquarters - a total of 129 positions. The salary for them, however, is less than the salary of auxiliary personnel in the district administrations.

Another opportunity to get closer to the powerful of this world is to become an assistant to a State Duma deputy, full-time or freelance. As a rule, they are looked for among senior students of St. Petersburg State University.

The leadership of the United Russia provided for a 20% quota in the party list for young people. In principle, out of 315 mandates given to United Russia in the new Duma, 63 should be filled by people under 35 years of age.

Go right...

This is the path of young people who have decided on party activity. Joining the youth wing of the party, then 2-3 years of active work in order to establish himself as an enterprising, executive, but most importantly - an indispensable person in the party. This opens up new possibilities and allows you to enter certain rooms. And in these offices sit the so-called "locomotives. If they like them, they will move their protege up behind them. And there, even if not within reach of the “Olympus”, but at the foot you can nestle.

In the Glaze of Ideology

“It is interesting that among the fairly young leaders of United Russia there are those who not so long ago belonged to opposition movements: anarchists, social democrats, etc.,” notes Yevgeny Konovalov, chairman of the Russian Social Democratic Youth Union. Coming to such a vertically structured organization as EP, they quickly achieve impressive results. They are greatly helped by the acquired ability to formulate thoughts. Those who did not like the party career still gain valuable experience. Many people open their own business and become quite successful people. They are often more experienced than their peers.

“The fact is that “United Russia has become rather than a political, but a bureaucratic structure with a clear chain of command. Therefore, there are few initiative people. Those who prove their loyalty by participating in informal events and fawning over “the top” get a ticket to life, says Evgeny Konovalov.

In general, we can say that now the number of lucky tickets for young people eager for a political career has decreased dramatically. The main pieces on the United Russia chessboard have long been placed. And in order to take it out of the field, you need not only to have the necessary “bag” with you, but also to catch luck by the tail.

A modest supporter of the party agitates for the leader.

A charismatic party member speaks at a rally.

Irreplaceable assistant to the deputy.

A foreign car with a flashing light is an indicator of status.

The pinnacle of a career (but not the finish line) is the Speaker of Parliament.

Select the fragment with the error text and press Ctrl+Enter

Pro-government structures in Russia say that social political elevators have started working in the country, but political scientists treat such statements with caution and even skepticism. "New Region" interviewed experts and found out how in modern Russia one can get into the political elite - if not the federal, then at least the regional one.

The topic of developing social elevators in Russia was raised by officials of the highest echelons of power in May this year, when President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointing Igor Kholmansky, a former head of the factory shop, as plenipotentiary for the Ural Federal District. Then the head of the administration of the presidential apparatus, Sergei Ivanov, commented on the event, saying that this is the most eloquent example of the work of social elevators. “The appointment of Igor Rurikovich to this position is one of the examples of the fact that social elevators are starting to work. I am a supporter of attracting and not being afraid to appoint people to responsible positions,” he said.

Some experts are convinced that the appointment of the Kholmanskys will give rise to the formation of a mechanism that will allow people who have proven themselves in various fields to participate in municipal and state politics. However, they have opponents who are skeptical of such assumptions, as well as the very fact of the existence of social elevators in Russia in the classical sense of the term. “As for real social elevators in Russia, when there are some smart, talented and honest people, this is all absurd. The social elevator exists only as a figure of speech, to which some specific examples of “travels from the 1st to the 25th floor” are attracted by the ears. An example could be the same appointment of the Kholmanskys,” political scientist Alexei Schweigert explained to Novy Region. - In fact, the same personnel reserve of the president, which was planned as a way to support talented and young officials and politicians, does not work. An imitation of a political erection is taking shape in our country, and I think it will flourish for a long time to come. So to say that the social elevator works in our country means to lie to yourself. It works only for the elite, between representatives of elite or bureaucratic structures, but not according to the type - "a man from the people - a politician at the federal level."

On the way with the ruling party

Meanwhile, there have not yet been such dizzying ups as in the case of the ex-factory worker Kholmansky, but experts say that there are other ways to get into "big politics". Among the first are joining the ranks of the party in power, which, in general, is not some new method of "getting into politics." Even during the USSR, membership in the Komsomol, and then in the CPSU, guaranteed promotion. In modern realities, only the name of the party has changed, but the essence of the method has remained the same. “Our system of political growth is very bureaucratic and follows long-established schemes,” political analyst Anatoly Gagarin explained to Novy Region. - Firstly, of course, you can join the United Russia party and move higher and higher there. But here, too, there are several ways. You can be a party functionary, a person who has his own ideas, who really acts and gradually enters the political elite. And you can have large business assets, or be an official.”

For examples, by the way, you do not need to go far. As the correspondent of Novy Region notes, there are more than enough businessmen, for example, in the Sverdlovsk regional Zakso. Thus, many members of the former House of Representatives, which included large businessmen, entered the united parliament. Very influential businessmen Valery Savelyev, Igor Kovpak became deputies, and the ex-director of a large gas enterprise Denis Pasler moved from the deputy chair even higher - to the post of chairman of the government of the Sverdlovsk region.

young green

As mentioned above, the second way to get into politics is through youth organizations affiliated with parties or youth parliaments and governments. However, experts say, such young functionaries most often turn out to be "caliphs for an hour." “Often, young people go into politics purely because of their ambitions, behind which there is nothing. It is very rare that young people make their way to politicians who are really significant in the life of a region or country,” Anatoly Gagarin explained.

One way or another, one of the examples of the “youth lift” is the arrival of Alexei Korobeinikov in regional politics, who began his career as a car mechanic, but after graduating from high school in 2005, he joined the “Young Guard of United Russia”, after which he received his own party card. By December 2008, the 30-year-old functionary achieved the post of head of the regional branch of MGER, hoping to get into the regional Duma on party lists. Korobeinikov's dreams came true last year: since 2011, he became a deputy of the ZSSO.

Also, some experts believe that if not an elevator, then the way to enter politics is the presence of beneficial family or just friendly ties. So, for example, today in the parliament of the Sverdlovsk region there are two Kovpak deputies at once: father Igor and son Lev. The first was a member of the House of Representatives for a long time, the second was a deputy of the Yekaterinburg City Duma. But no one doubts that the entry of Kovpak Jr. into the business and political elites was facilitated by the position of his father.

Cultural and sports way

In general, in many parliaments there are unspoken quotas for youth and athletes, analysts say. Giving mandates to well-known athletes or representatives of youth cells of parties, politicians seek to prove to society that the interests of many segments of the population are reflected in the legislative power. By the way, in the same Sverdlovsk Legislative Assembly there are representatives from sports - this is a multiple Olympic medalist, titled athlete Sergei Chepikov, who was elected to parliament from United Russia.

In addition, the same "ER" plans to nominate the artistic director of the Buranovskiye Babushki show group, Olga Tuktareva, into the top three in the October elections of deputies of the State Council of Udmurtia. “It will be a party decision, we are preparing candidates, we would like to see a villager and an industrialist in the top three. Well, it is necessary that there is still a female version, ”said Alexander Volkov, President of the Republic.

On the wave of protest

Another way to enter the political system is through opposition and pseudo-opposition parties. “Those who are not included in the lists of United Russia often come here. Moreover, there is such a nuance that businessmen very often change their guises, move from one political force to another, depending on the interests of their business, or to maintain a mandate, - Anatoly Gagarin said. “Therefore, in Russia, the political system is often decorative, it only covers business structures.”

By the way, getting into politics on the wave of opposition protests is not easy. At least it's not a pipelined way. “I have an internal expectation that political angels will appear in the regions, who will either independently or by attracting a certain circle of people to try to change the structure of regional policy. So far, there are no obvious examples, but to some extent, Leonid Volkov can be attributed to this category (note NR - deputy of the YeGD), - said Alexei Schweigert. - But, again, this is not a social elevator in the full sense of the word, because. they will have no real leverage on the political situation or on public opinion in the broadest sense. These are local stories that happen at the initiative of a single person, such people cannot enter the power structure.”

If your dream is to truly change the world, politics may be your calling. You can initiate important changes while sitting in the office! How amazing can this feeling be? You have a difficult and long way to go, but it's worth it. Are you ready to take the first step?

Steps

Part 1

Go!

Get a higher education. Almost anyone can become a politician (depending on what is meant by this word, of course), but those who make a truly significant contribution to the development of society and can call it their job have higher education. They most likely studied economics, business, political science, or international relations. However, a degree in any specialty is better than nothing!

Do some volunteering. If one of the items on your resume is volunteer volunteer experience, it's unlikely that anyone will look at you and say, "That's not a trustworthy, not a good person." In order to win votes, you must show that you support good causes, that you have invested your time in this and that you care about your community. The easiest way to do this? Volunteering.
- You can start by participating in a local volunteer campaign, but it's also a good idea to start developing interests outside of the political arena. Help the homeless, join a non-profit organization that you will support if you are in power. Show the world what a versatile and highly moral person you are.
Join the ranks of a political party. Participating in the party of Jane or John will not draw enough attention to you. If you take politics seriously, you need to become a member of an established political party. This way you will gain support, meet like-minded people, and under certain circumstances people will judge you as part of the party and trust you.
- Or don't join. Whatever, at your discretion. That's what the Independent Party of America is for. However, keep in mind that being elected to the government as a member of this party is an unenviable prospect. People love labels, especially those they think they understand. Unfortunately, the Independent Party of America is not one of them.
Give credit to other people's campaigns. If you are so lucky that you already know what you want at a young age, then it will be useful for you to work in someone's campaign in order to advance in this area. This job may be tedious, but it will give you the opportunity to look behind the scenes of the political scene and get the deepest experience, which, by the way, is very important.
- You may be knocking on doors, filling drawers with brochures, or stamping envelopes, but you will act. When you're at the top, this experience will help you appreciate the role of the employees involved in such cases, as well as develop the ability to build rapport, which is also highly valued by people.
Be active in the community. If no one knows you through the local Joe, it will be difficult for people to trust you in many things. So get active locally! Be the one everyone knows. To those who participate in everything. You must earn your reputation!
- What is the best place to start? From community meetings. Attend your local school board, city meetings, and the like and "make some noise there." Be active. Only by starting from the bottom will you get to the top. So go straight to the headquarters of the local party, ask questions and establish yourself there.
Flexible form of employment. While most politicians in high positions, businessmen and lawyers, things are different locally and statewide. The representative from your city can be a grocery store owner, a teacher, a craftsman, anyone. Since political activity will not bring you income in the next 10-15 years, pursue a parallel career with a flexible form of employment, unless, of course, you have a reserve of money for the next 10 years.
- Flexibility in working hours is important when political activity comes to the fore. For example, you need to leave work in the afternoon to go to a meeting, take a week off for a convention, or a six-month vacation for your campaign. The more flexible your schedule is, the less your financial situation will suffer.
Part 2
Entering the arena
1. Develop a passion for something. People don't go into politics for fun. Besides the fact that the politician wants to "change the world", he has a basic idea of what should be changed. Therefore, when you enter the political scene, you must have an idea to stand for, something that will motivate you. Develop passion and passion for the idea.
  - Are you worried about the state of city roads? Do you want to save a local clinic that is about to be relocated? Would you like to see more green spaces in your area? Amazing! Thanks to the two-party system, you can achieve all of this. You need a driving force behind your platform and a slogan for your campaign.
2. Start with local positions. You could rise from being a school president to being a candidate for the President of the United States, but you have to go through a lot to get there. If you want to be successful, you need to start small. In the US, you have several options:
  - School board
  - City Council
  - Mayor of the city
  - Member of the district administration
3. Check your bank account. Let's say you decide you want to run for office, run for mayor, or become a member of the county council, maybe even a member of the state legislature. The higher the desired position, the more money you will need. Do you have insurance in case things go wrong? What if your campaign fails and you have to pay bills? What if you lose the election and your job is gone by then? Can you get money for food?
  - Election campaigns are expensive. Much bigger than you imagine until you start the first campaign. These are travel costs, wages for your team, market costs, negotiation costs, and that's just the beginning of the list. Ideally, you will not pay for all this. Ideally.
4. Design your campaign. You'll need to assemble a team of people you can trust to run the campaign, but it's up to you to strategize for it. How do you want to disseminate information? How big will your team be? What questions will you discuss? How will you deal with opponents?
  - Start building capital. Ask everyone you know to donate to your campaign fund (you were kind to them because you knew that moment would come, right?). Even if you've only met once, even if you're not friends on Facebook, put aside your shame and ask!
5. Reach out to your (wealthy) friends. This is where being part of one of their chic country clubs can really be in your favor. You need a steady stream of cash, and $10 every six months from Aunt Marge isn't going to make much of a difference. You would need thousands like her. So either you sip Pinot Grigio with the Gates or you serve it to them. Know who to connect with. It's a bitter truth, but it's true.
  - It will be useful if you have already lit up somewhere. The right people might notice you and decide that you have potential. Being a member of major political parties is an advantage as it is a great platform to gain attention.
6. Start a statewide operation. After you become the big fish in your pond, you will most likely want to move on. Come out to the state level! Become a member of the legislature, Senate or Congress. You have already proven your competence, and it's time to get decent money for your work!
  - For the most part, it's the same thing, but at a higher level. It requires more concentration and more spending. All in all, more is needed. Time included.
    - You need to discuss the lack of time with your family and loved ones. Your life will no longer be the same and you will be less available. You will often be on the road and this can lead to stress. Let's hope it's worth it!
7. Brace yourself. If you are successful and win the election, for starters, congratulations! The work is stressful and you will turn gray before your time, but you will influence the course of things!
  - Don't back down at the first defeat. If this is truly your passion, your time will come. Don't hang your head and don't take everything too personally. The world is cruel, and you have to live with it somehow. It wouldn't mean so much if it was very simple. So pick yourself up and move on. There is always another chance!
Part 3
Develop personal qualities
1. Be a persuasive public speaker. If you only have one talent, it should be public speaking. Your face, your voice, you should be the center of attention, at least until the election is over. People will watch you and analyze your every move. If you can win them over with your winning smile and calm demeanor and convince them of your competence, everything will go like clockwork.
  - Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy are obvious examples. When Barack takes the podium, he has no equal in terms of charisma. His oratorical skills helped him reach his current position. And also remember the famous debate between Kennedy and Nixon, in which Kennedy was so calm, balanced and collected that, compared to him, Nixon looked like a complete clown. So develop your speaking skills!
2. Take care of your wardrobe. Besides the fact that John F. Kennedy was ahead of Nixon due to his charisma, he also looked many times better than him. If you are under the scrutiny of society, you must look great. This includes ties and suits, and don't forget your shoes.
  - There are two main styles you need to think about: a nice formal suit for more formal functions, and a rolled-up-sleeved Oxford shirt and khakis when you're at the city hall. This is suitable for both men and women, although the women's costume may consist of a skirt or trousers.
3. Have strong views. If you expect people to vote for you, you must have your own views and they must be clearly marked. No sudden shifts or reversals or you'll be immediately associated with politicians like John Edwards. It's good if you learn this before the campaign starts (although in the realities of modern politics, reprioritization happens quite often).
  - You may be urged to adhere to the views of the majority. But there is no such rule. People on your team may want this from you, but you don't have to. It might get you votes, but what happens when the law goes into effect? Will you feel guilt?
4. Get used to dealing with the press and their antics. Becoming a politician is practically signing a waiver of privacy. You will find out how movie stars feel. Your photos will be everywhere: from city buses to news programs. And this is not always happy. Besides the fact that you have to constantly be in front of cameras, faking a fake smile, it is even more difficult to put up with criticism against you. Can you stand it?
  - Often scandalous stories from the life of politicians emerge, sometimes it comes to the point of absurdity. If you're in government, expect all your petty sins to come to the surface, whether it's a dishonorable discharge from the military or an expired speeding ticket from twenty years ago. If there is something that can arouse the interest of the public, it will be widely publicized.