OCCUPATION THESAURUS

POLITICIAN



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HELPFUL TIP:

There’s probably a good reason why your character chose their career. Think about how certain talents and skills, a dominant positive or negative trait, or even an emotional wound might have influenced this decision. And once they're on the job, don't forget about the many work-related conflict scenarios you can throw at them to create tension and add complications.
OVERVIEW:
Politicians are elected by the constituents in their jurisdictions. Once elected, they form the government, from national roles to those associated with local municipalities. Because they're elected, garnering support from others is vital to their success. For this reason, politicians are typically charismatic by nature and will have experience as leaders in the community, either in business or on a volunteer basis. These elected officials do a lot of campaigning to sell themselves-via town hall meetings, debates with other politicians, interviews, publicity-based events (fundraisers, nonprofit benefits, goodwill activities) and other media that will allow them to share their ideas and beliefs with their constituents.

The day-to-day duties will vary for politicians depending on the position they hold. But because the basis of their work is supporting their platform or ideals, much of their day is spent in activities that further that goal. They attend many meetings, advocate for their goals with influential people, form alliances with others (often using a quid pro quo format), read and write legislation, address and solve problems, discuss strategy, inform public opinion, and shape policies.

It should be noted that some politicians are appointed rather than elected. These roles are usually tied to the person that appointed them or for a certain length of time. Because they do not need votes, how they deal with their constituents and responsibilities will be very different.

NECESSARY TRAINING:
Each political position has its own requirements, and these will vary by region. Many potential candidates will obtain a political science degree, though this isn't always necessary. Regardless, most will gain experience serving at the local level (as an elected official or volunteer) and working their way up to more prestigious positions. Marketing and promotion are hugely important in this field, so knowledge and experience in this area are a must.

USEFUL SKILLS, TALENTS, OR ABILITIES:
CHARM, EMPATHY, EQUANIMITY, GAINING THE TRUST OF OTHERS, GOOD LISTENING SKILLS, HOSPITALITY, LEADERSHIP, MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH, MULTITASKING, NETWORKING, ORGANIZATION, PROMOTION, PUBLIC SPEAKING, READING PEOPLE, STRATEGIC THINKING, VISION

HELPFUL POSITIVE TRAITS:
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HELPFUL NEGATIVE TRAITS:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS THAT MAY HAVE FACTORED INTO THIS OCCUPATION CHOICE:
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SOURCES OF FRICTION:
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PEOPLE THEY MIGHT INTERACT WITH:
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HOW THIS OCCUPATION MIGHT IMPACT ONE'S BASIC NEEDS:
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TWISTING THE STEREOTYPE:
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REASONS THE CHARACTER MAY HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO THIS PROFESSION:
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