“If you have politics in your blood, the only cure for it is embalming fluid.”
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin used this quip from former Arizona Congressman Morris Udall to explain how he started his career when he recently met with a group of UChicago undergraduate students on Zoom. The event was organized by the College’s Careers in Law program, part of the Office of Career Advancement.
Using examples from his own career of 25 years in the Senate and 14 years in the House of Representatives, Durbin gave students tips on how to get involved in politics.
“There are three key ingredients to getting started in public service: apprenticeships, mentorship, and relationships,” said Durbin.
Durbin explained that he had his first political apprenticeship in 1966 as a college student at Georgetown University. After getting a tip from his roommate, Durbin secured an internship with Paul Douglas, U.S. Senator from Illinois and former economics professor at UChicago. Durbin worked in both Douglas’s Senate office and on his unsuccessful re-election campaign.
“That experience really made me fall in love with politics,” Durbin recalled. “That’s why I always stress how important apprenticeships are if you want to go into public service. You can start right now. There are campaigns across the country that are looking for talent. Students can get exposed to every part of the process including social media, debate prep, fundraising, you name it.”
Mentorship paves the way to success
During the Douglas campaign, Durbin met someone who would become one of his greatest mentors: Paul Simon, then an Illinois state senator who later served as lieutenant governor of Illinois and a U.S. senator.
“Paul influenced me more than any other person,” Durbin said. “He was never afraid to stick his neck out for what he believed in, and he always served with honesty and integrity. He was a true role model for what public service should look like.”
As a first step toward a political career, Durbin enrolled in law school at Georgetown University Law Center. After graduating in 1969, he moved to Springfield to work with Simon as his legal counsel and later as the parliamentarian for the Illinois Senate.
Simon coached and supported Durbin when he made his first attempts to run for office.
“It took me three failed campaigns before I was finally elected to the House in ’82,” Durbin said. “Every time I lost, Paul helped me pick myself up and focus on the next thing. When he retired from the Senate, that ultimately paved the way for me to run for his seat.”
A relationship-driven business
Durbin also stressed how important relationship management skills are in politics. He said that he relies on them every day as a senator, Senate Majority Whip and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“Whether you’re on the campaign trail or actually in office, this is fundamentally a relationship-driven business,” Durbin said. “In my role as whip, I need to know what every Democratic senator thinks, how they’re planning to vote and why. We all depend on one another, especially in a 50-50 Senate.”
Durbin also pointed to his work on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has an 11-11 split between Democrats and Republicans and requires him to find common ground on issues such as tech regulation and policing.
‘You are our future’
When asked what advice he would give to students who want to go into public service, Durbin shared five tips.
“First, don’t be shy,” Durbin said. “Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and put yourself out there. Remember, politics is all about relationships.
“Second, know your stuff. Stay informed and immerse yourself in the issues.
“Third, put down roots somewhere. Get to know the community and understand the challenges they’re facing so that you can effectively advocate for them.
“Fourth, seek out mentors. Watch what they do closely and learn from them.
“Finally, if you’re working for an officeholder or a campaign, give 100% to every task, no matter how small. Doing well on the little things will show them that you’re ready for more responsibility.”
Durbin closed with a call to action.
“Despite the very difficult times we live in, I’m optimistic about the future because you’re the ones who will be leading it. You are our future,” Durbin said.
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Are you interested in a career in law, government, or public service? Make an appointment today with an expert adviser from the Careers in Law or Careers in Policy and Social Impact programs.