For a lobbyist to be effective there are several characteristics that he or she needs to have. When it comes to direct lobbying a lobbyist needs to be on good terms with politicians and their staff. Often times a lobbyist and the organization that they work for help to raise money for the campaigns of people who support the cause. Personal charm, the ability to be persuasive and self-confidence are important in this job. There is no specific college degree that a person must have to be a lobbyist.
Most lobbyists do have at least an undergraduate degree, and some have a graduate degree.
Areas of study for people that are interested in a career in lobbying are communications, economics, English, history, international affairs, political science, public affairs, and public relations. A person who is in college and interested in lobbying should think about getting an internship, either during the school year or over the summer. Types of internships that would be beneficial are in a congressional office, a government agency or with a lobbying firm. There are three different levels of government that a lobbying organization can lobby. They are Federal, state and local.