COMPETENCES, SKILLS AND EDUCATION OF LOBBYISTS

At the outset the point should be made that there's no single degree that can prepare you to be a lobbyist, and no educational trajectory that will guarantee a lobbyist career. Instead, you'll need to get to know people in the field and establish a strong reputation as someone who can negotiate with policy makers (civil servants, legislators etc.). Lobbying is a demanding career that requires in-depth knowledge of government as well as issue-specific knowledge. You need to be highly persuasive, have excellent communication skills and know how to negotiate. Lobbyists sometimes aid in drafting legislation, so good writing skills are at a premium.

If you want to lobby for a particular cause, you'll need to get to know working on the issue and develop specialized knowledge. Trade and professional organizations often hire lobbyists, and having a major specific to the trade and/or professional sector can help you get your foot in the door. Some lobbyists pursue pre-law degrees and others obtain professional degrees in the field for which they want to lobby. For example, if you want to lobby for environmental organizations, a degree in environmental science could help. A double major in a politics-related field can help make you more appealing.

Aspiring lobbyists may consider a degree in political science, which may include classes that cover lobbying and its role in the political system. Coursework may provide instruction on the legislative process, as well as how lobbyists participate in the creation of rules and regulations.

To be a competent lobbyist, you'll need to know about the inner workings of government at local, regional, national, European and international level. Understanding how laws get passed, how legislation is drafted and who has the power to present legislation can give you a leg up. Majors in political science, government and history can give you the background you need. Lobbyists have to be masterful communicators who can convey important ideas in sound bites. Degrees that prepare you for public speaking and rapid-fire communication can help. Public relations, marketing, advertising, communication and speech can all help you achieve your goals. Writing skills are also extremely helpful. Journalism and technical writing in conjunction with communications degrees can help you stand out. Interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, research, verbal and written communications skills are of paramount importance.

Not just 'University Studies' Get Certified

If you're already halfway through your major, there's no need to switch educational trajectories. The Association of Accredited Public Policy Advocates to the European Union (AALEP) offers an in-depth public policy advocacy certification programme. This programme covers all aspects of the profession, including the necessary background, methods of networking, knowledge of and training in best practices, ethics, governmental structure, government relations management and effective communications. It can also provide you with an opportunity to meet other people in the field and begin networking.

What about a law degree?

Law school teaches you the meaning of words. It is an invaluable skill as a lobbyist to be able to understand the meaning of legislative language, including its subtleties and nuance. Also it is important to have a sense of the legislative process and to understand the effect of laws. Having a law degree is a plus, but lawyers who want to become lobbyists must go the same route as non-lawyers wishing to become lobbyists do. This means gaining experience in legislative bodies or working for another organization in another capacity and transferring into government relations. Obviously, experience reading the law is related directly to reading proposed legislation, so it's a great skill, highly marketable. But many lawyers don't have a clue as to how the legislative process works, which is why parliamentary experience is so valuable. Students can prepare by studying the political process, volunterring on campaigns, and through internships.

In the U.S. most lawyers get their start as lobbyists by either working on Capitol Hill in a Senate or a House office or committee while working in a law firm with a well-developed legislative practice, usually in Washington DC. A law school education does not directly expose you to politics and the legislative system. Students attending law school in the Washington DC area have good opportunities to work part time either on the Hill or for law firms or lobbyists if they have an interest in that field. Law students should make the most of their educational experiences. Any classes that can be taken to better one's oral communications and persuasiveness is a big help. A main part of lobbying is to be  a successful communicator. Also, the diligence that law school requires will surely help in this field. You have to be a persistent and knowledge[able] about the issues you are lobbying and be a competent liaison to your client as well as to policymakers and their staffs.

Conclusion

The most important competences, characterizing a lobbyist are certainly analytical capabilities, knowledge of socio-political mechanisms (as well as legislative procedures and processes) and the ability to communicate with representatives of various circles. Equally important is diplomacy, also associated with savoir-vivre, tact as well as caution in the formulation of arguments or statements. In order to effectively influence the decision making process, a lobbyist should also be a skilled tactitian and spokesperson, having an ability to persuade as well as ease in establishing contacts and keeping a broad acquaintance network. A lobbyist should have knowledge and specialist qualities with regard to searching, analysing, transferring and managing the circulation of information and be able to formulate sound conclusions and recommendations pertinent to the situation. Knowledge and command of public relations techniques is important because a lobbyist should be able to persuade and conduct public discussions, know the methods and techniques of social engineering useful in shaping general public opinion and social attitudes. Displaying a professional attitude, being competent, communicative and complying with ethical standards is of the utmost importance.

Lobbyists are often lawyers, journalists, public relations specialists, politicians. Informing and reasoning is the key element of their work and they need to master communication methods and tools to be successful.