Hamilton students are known for their leadership potential, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in the organizations they manage. Like many graduates, government major Jake London ’14 is translating the leadership skills he learned at the College into a promising career path. After starting early this summer London is serving as campaign manager for New Hampshire state senate candidate Chris Muns, hitting the ground running as he explores a long-term career in political organizing.
As campaign manager, London is responsible for planning events, recruiting and overseeing interns and volunteers, and managing the budget through the November 2014 election. His job begins with an extensive training in Washington, D.C. led by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
Throughout his time at Hamilton, London took a number of American politics courses that helped him develop the skills for a campaign position, from Political Oratory with Government Professor Phil Klinkner to his senior project on campaign social media strategy. He also valued the opportunity to develop competencies in other fields, from communication to astronomy. “Hamilton has really pushed the idea of following your passions wherever they might take you – whether it’s science, writing, math or history,” London said.
While at Hamilton, London spent his summers gaining first-hand experience in politics. In 2012 he worked on Elizabeth Warren’s U.S. Senate campaign as an intern for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, a rewarding opportunity that confirmed his interest in a political career. The following summer he learned the ins-and-outs of the nation’s legislative branch as an intern in the Washington, D.C. offices of Congressman Matt Cartwright ’83 (D-PA) and Congressman John Tierney (D-MA).
During his four years at the College London took advantage of a number of Career Center programs, from Sophomore JumpStart to HamiltonExplore, which helped him apply for internships and navigate the professional world early on.
Aside from his academic work and internships, London excelled as two-year captain of the Hamilton College Men’s Track & Field Team, and attributes a great deal of his leadership success to Head Coach Brett Hull. “Coach Hull really pushed me to meet my individual goals both on the track and in the classroom, and also pushed me to be the best leader and captain that I could be for the team,” said London. “It’s because of him that I’ve really developed this team-first mentality, which I’m excited to continue in politics.” Reflecting on his departure from Hamilton and entrance into the campaign, London remarked that he has simply left one team to join another.
Off the track, London was president of the Emerson Literary Society, an active member of the College Democrats, and a regular opinion contributor to the Spectator student newspaper.
The current political climate fueled London’s desire to work on a state senate campaign. “National politics are so gridlocked,” he explained, “but you can really make an impact on a state level.”
While his position on Muns’ campaign only lasts through the Nov. 2014 election, London expects it will open doors to more opportunities. If all goes well, he plans to pursue a long-term career in campaign work and is particularly interested in the field of campaign communications.
