Conduct an informational interview with someone who is working in a field that interests you. You may choose to conduct these with Wesleyan alumni or other industry professionals. For tips on getting started, see the Gordon Career Center website or ask your career advisor. Include a reflection on your experience here.
I emailed Nick Baldick and met with him on Zoom 3 times. I conducted an informational interview and he gave me his opinions about the the political consulting and polling industry, especially on the left side of the aisle. We also talked about internship options I was considering at the time and he gave his opinions, some positive, some disparaging, of the firms. He referred to a firm by the person who ran it, which isn’t how I was considering my internships and the organizations of which they were a part. Nick Baldick is blunt. He is not particularly warm and he has a cutting approach in conversation. I asked him what skills he/the industry is looking for from recent graduates or interns. His response: “your generation can’t fucking write.” His job is to get people elected, not be idealistic. I found him and his work intimidating. I’m not sure why, but he seemed to like me. I think he liked when I said “I’m not ready to sell out just yet.” He sent my resume to a few of his friends at other organizations, though those referals didn’t end up working out. One organization wasn’t looking for interns, and another I did interview with, but I found their work far too corporate for me. I’m glad I talked to him and that he advocated for me, but the conversations made wary of working for someone like him or in that type of environment.
