Working for a Senate Campaign
Experience Information
Employer: Abdul for Senate
Job Title: Special Projects Manager
Major: Sociology
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
I am a part of the Senate campaign for Abdul El-Sayed. It is a statewide political campaign organized into functional teams including field organizing, communications, fundraising, digital strategy, and political. The fast paced structure is hierarchical, with senior staff setting strategy while junior staff like field organizers, coordinators, interns, and volunteers carry out day-to-day implementation. The size of the organization fluctuates over time, but during active organizing periods it includes a core staff team along with a broader network of interns and volunteers across Michigan, particularly concentrated in campus, labor, and community organizing efforts.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
My primary responsibilities focused on campus organizing, including outreach to student organizations, building and maintaining contact lists, and recruiting volunteers. I supported event planning and turnout efforts for campus events, and participated in phone banking and text outreach to engage voters and supporters. Over time, my work expanded into labor and veterans organizing, where I assisted with outreach to unions and organizational partners, coordinated communications with external groups, and helped support coalition-building efforts. I also contributed to volunteer management and follow-up communication to maintain engagement across different organizing streams.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I developed practical skills in grassroots organizing, including voter contact methods such as phone banking, text outreach, and relational organizing. I strengthened my communication skills, particularly in adapting messaging for different audiences such as students and labor. I gained experience in data management and organizing systems used to track volunteers and outreach efforts. I also learned how campaigns operate structurally, including how decisions are made under time pressure, how field strategy is implemented, and how different organizing teams coordinate with one another in a fast-moving political environment
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part was the rallies we organized at Michigan State and the University of Michigan for the beginning of April. We had held these with Hasan Piker, Congresswoman Summer LEe, and others.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
This experience has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in political organizing and campaign work. It has given me a clearer understanding of how campaigns operate both strategically and operationally, and has strengthened my interest in roles related to field organizing, labor politics, and coalition building. It has also clarified the importance of labor issues and accessibility within political work, and has influenced my long-term interest in working in spaces that connect progressive policy goals with organizing and advocacy
Internship Format
Hybrid (some in person and some remote)