Many students take classes and get involved in activities that will help them in their future careers. One way to do this is to get involved in a political campaign.

Every semester, several students devote time to a local campaign. Some spend as little as a few hours a week, while others work full-time.

Kevin Phillips, junior in speech communication, works on the campaign for Rep. Sydney Carlin, D-Manhattan. Phillips said he is involved in forensics and debate at K-State and wanted to have a real-life experience.

"I hope to gain experience for a possible future career in politics," Phillips said.

He said although he writes speeches for Carlin's campaign, he still has plenty of time for schoolwork. He said the job has taught him to manage his time more efficiently.

Jim Mosimann, junior in political science, volunteers for the re-election campaign of Rep. Edward O'Malley, R-Roeland Park. He volunteered during the summer and said he enjoyed it, so he decided to continue working during the fall. Mosimann said he initially signed on to see behind the scenes of an actual political campaign.

"He's a great guy, and it just makes it easier to work for a guy you care for," Mosimann said.

Several K-State students go on to work for government offices after graduating. Recent graduate Andrew Treanor works for the Kansas Democratic Party and is involved in campaigns for both Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Paul Morrison, candidate for Kansas attorney general.

"The classes I took and organizations I was involved with in college provided a great deal of background. Though I did learn a lot of theory in my classes, I do not believe there is any better substitute than getting out into the thick of a campaign and learning firsthand," Treanor said.

Treanor said he has worked with many students and other people his age and said he believes all students should get involved with a political campaign in some way or another.

"Our government is one that demands an active and engaged citizenry," Treanor said. "I believe that no matter what career or field you choose, it is everyone's duty to remain civically involved."

Volunteering for a local campaign allows students to get a backstage pass into the actual process of democracy and can teach students lessons they can't learn in class, Treanor said.

"It is exciting, enjoyable and a great experience, no matter what candidate you pick or what you do to help get them elected," Treanor said.