Name: Caroline Welles
Age: 26
Job Title: Field Assistant, Ohio Together, The Ohio Democratic Coordinated Campaign
College Name/Major: University of Edinburgh, Sociology
Twitter Handle: @Wishing_Welles
1. What does your current job entail? Is there a such thing as a typical day?
I work on the organizing team in the great state of Ohio. OH-IO! I work alongside the Organizing Director and the Deputy Organizing Directors to help register voters, recruit new volunteers, get people to the polls, and most important, elect Hillary Clinton the first woman to be President of the United States of America.
There’s no such thing as a typical day on a campaign, but that’s my favorite thing about it. I could spend the morning in our Ohio Headquarters assessing our hiring needs and then head off to Cleveland to help with a Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine rally, and then run a statewide call with organizers that evening go over how we did in communities in every corner of the state. It’s an all hands on deck and we’re all proud to work together in order to elect Hillary Clinton as President of the United States.
2. What's the best part of your job?
Aside from doing everything I can to elect Hillary Clinton, the people I get to work with to elect her! Campaigns are demanding, but working alongside some of the smartest and talented people I’ve ever met makes for a great support system. Even on the longest days, we take great comfort and pride in working to send Hillary Clinton to the White House.
3. How did you get from your first entry level job out of college to where you are now?
I’ve always been interested in politics, but pursuing a career in campaigning didn’t cross my mind until Secretary Clinton announced her candidacy. I knew the election would be historic, and I couldn’t watch from the sideline.
In college, I ran events and coordinated fashion shows. After college, I pursued a career in print media. I didn’t expect to end up in Iowa, Colorado, Washington or Ohio, let alone all four in less than a year, but I’m so grateful for the twists and turns that brought me here, working to elect one of the most qualified candidates to ever run for President.
4. What has it been like working in politics during this election cycle? If you worked on previous campaigns, how is this one different?
This is my first campaign, but we’ve all seen how different this election is than years prior. Despite the differences, the choice in this election couldn’t be clearer. Hillary Clinton has the experience and steadiness to bring people together and get real results, and Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and unqualified to be president. It is easy to let his negativity or divisiveness bring down our enthusiasm, but we can't let that happen. The stakes could not be higher.
5. What advice do you have for young women who are interested in working in politics?
Volunteer! Most campuses have college groups you can get involved with or you can find opportunities outside of school. You can volunteer during your spare time or full time during vacations. It’s a great way to start your career in campaigns or politics. Find an issue or candidate you believe in and get involved. Make connections, find mentors and learn the ins and outs of political campaigns.
If you’re looking for a great example, look at the way Hillary Clinton started her career. One of the first women admitted to Yale Law, a civil rights activist, and long time advocate for women and families. Hillary Clinton found the issues she cared about and fought for them. She continued to do so as the First Lady of Arkansas, the First Lady of the United States, the U.S. Senator from New York, and as the Secretary of State. Just as she’ll do as President of the United States.
6. What has been the most surreal moment of your work on this campaign?
Two moments: The first was when Secretary Clinton thanked me for my work at an event in North Liberty, Iowa in front of 500 people—there were literal stars in my eyes.
The second moment that stands out is when a voter told me he caucused for Hillary Clinton because I called him and talked to him about the issues and the importance of this election. That was the moment I realized that my work makes a difference. These are the moments that motivate me to continue fighting for Hillary Clinton, just like she will fight for us.
7. What's your favorite piece of political pop culture, and why? (TV show, movie, book, etc - for ex. House of Cards)
The West Wing is an obvious favorite. Madam Secretary is also there, but that’s probably not a surprise given the candidate I’m currently working to elect. I couldn't be more excited that Josh, Toby, CJ, Charlie and several other members of the cast went to Ohio in support of Hillary Clinton!