For a college so entwined in politics, Hillsdale doesn’t turn out many elected officials. 

More than 20 years ago, I came to Hillsdale convinced that what I learned here would one day help me become an elected official, probably after becoming a lawyer. 

God had different plans. I never went to law school but did work in state think tanks for a decade. For the last seven years, I’ve been an opinion columnist with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, usually writing about politics. 

I am one of many Hillsdale graduates to end up connected with politics. In just the last decade, Hillsdale alumni have clerked for Supreme Court justices. They’ve worked in the Trump White House as speech writers and staffers. They’ve shaped the national dialogue writing for major publications like the Wall Street Journal, The Federalist, and National Review. Numerous Hillsdale alumni have worked on Capitol Hill or in various national or state think tanks. 

It’s an impressive output for what remains a small college. But while Hillsdale helps many elected officials around the country, it doesn’t produce many. 

The most famous alumni in the last few decades to hold elected office may be Chris Chocola ’84. He served as a congressman from Indiana in the 2000s before a stint as president of the Club for Growth. Among more recent alumni, the most prominent to serve as an elected official is likely Hans Zeiger ’07. He served several terms in the Washington State legislature. He now runs the Jack Miller Center, which focuses on “teaching America’s founding principles and history.” Michigan Rep. Andrew Fink ’06, R-Hillsdale, is currently running for the Michigan Supreme Court.

There is nothing wrong with working in a politics-adjacent job. I love being a columnist. But the lack of lawmakers who graduated from Hillsdale is apparent once you see it. 

Unfortunately, many of Hillsdale’s most politically minded graduates don’t leave well-positioned to become the statesmen the college rightly celebrates.

I’ve worked around politicians for nearly 20 years. Most aren’t anywhere near as intelligent or well-versed in government as a Hillsdale sophomore. They win elections because of their success outside of politics, connections in their local communities, ability to raise money, and willingness to work hard. 

I’ve no doubt Hillsdale students are comfortable with hard work. But if you want to prepare yourself to be an elected official in the future, the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program isn’t enough.  

First, prepare yourself to be successful outside of politics. This sounds counterintuitive. The best way to become great at construction is to work for a construction company, learning all you can and advancing your way up the ranks or starting your own construction company. 

But running for office is different. Voters want to see candidates with proven leadership accomplishments outside of politics. Major in something that will help you become a successful entrepreneur, chemist, business executive, pilot, teacher, or doctor. After 15–20 years of achievement, you’ll be well positioned to become a candidate. Law school is another option, but avoid practicing in liberal cities like New York and Washington, D.C.

This isn’t a new thing. The signers of the Declaration of Independence were accomplished men outside of politics. They were lawyers, doctors, merchants, and even ministers. Use WHIP to get a taste of the political process if you want, but know it’s only temporary if you want to maximize your chances of returning as an elected official.

Second, avoid low-level political work. Slogging your way up the ladder to become a mid-level staffer isn’t compelling to voters. Campaign work is brutal. You’re more likely to burnout on politics than transition from that to a successful run for political office. 

Third, don’t move to Washington, D.C. The appeal of the nation’s capital for politically focused graduates is obvious. That’s where laws and connections are made. There’s a robust network of Hillsdale alumni, too. But you aren’t getting elected from D.C. Nor are you likely to launch a successful non-political career from there. 

Move somewhere you want to raise a family or where a great job opportunity is as long as it’s not overwhelmingly liberal. Get involved in your church and volunteer in your local community. Those connections will pay off when you decide to run for office. 

Fourth, join the military. Amidst an era of voter cynicism, one thing voters still value is military service. Obviously, Hillsdale’s principled stance against federal dollars precludes a ROTC program here. 

The National Guard or Reserves is a part-time option while at Hillsdale. Or you can become an officer after graduating. If you don’t want to go active duty, the National Guard and Reserves both offer officer slots too. The Marines are the most physically demanding branch. The Air Force is the least. As someone who spent a decade-plus in the Army National Guard, I can safely tell you the smart ones join the Air Force. If you become a lawyer, look at the JAG program, which you can do part-time in the National Guard or Reserves. 

The military won’t just help you with future voters. You’ll improve your leadership skills and be a small bulwark against the attempted leftist takeover of a vital organization. 

Fifth, practice raising money. Most people don’t enjoy it, but it’s a political reality. Fundraising matters. Fortunately, Hillsdale is the most successful fundraising machine in the conservative world. Those fancy buildings you learn in didn’t just happen. Someone built relationships and asked for money. 

Go to the Institutional Advancement office and beg to work or even volunteer there. Not only would you learn the logistics of fundraising, but you can see it as a way to help people accomplish something they couldn’t do on their own. That’s a winning attitude when it comes to raising money.

Sixth, be willing to start small. This is a piece of advice you’ll have to store away for a couple of decades, but it’s the most common mistake I see aspiring politicians make. Ideally, you have a successful career in the private sector when you decide to run for office. But don’t jump into a congressional or U.S. senate race. Have the humility to start with the state legislature, city council, or school board. If you prove yourself there, the powerbrokers in your area will recruit you to run for those higher offices in a few years. 

The next Republican president will undoubtedly select many Hillsdale graduates to work for him. That’s wonderful. The conservative movement needs people in many different roles. 

But if you want to be the Hillsdale graduate who becomes the statesman, consider this advice. 

 

Victor Joecks is a columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Hillsdale College graduate. Email him at victor.joecks@gmail.com.