Listen Here
Bedard’s career has begun well before graduation
By Ashely Summerfield
@ash_summerfield
Senior political science major Rebecka Bedard took the initiative to get involved in this year’s presidential campaign.
As college students, becoming involved in campaigning can be a great way to gain political experience, according the Bedard. As a political science major, looking toward a career in the campaigning world, Bedard dedicated 75+ hours a week for a month to this opportunity.
“The best part about working for a campaign was making a difference,” said Bedard.
Bedard was hired as the Northwest Regional Director for New Day for America, the Super PAC supporting Governor Kasich’s presidential campaign. Bedard’s duties included managing a call center, in downtown Toledo.
Not only did Bedard manage the call center, but she participated in making calls as well. She shares her love for talking to voters and being able to “influence their vote, answer questions, or address concerns they had.”
“Winning Ohio wasn’t bad either,” Bedard laughed.
Bedard shared her experiences of working with people from all walks of life. “I had volunteers who were in middle school and dragged by their parents,” said Bedard.
On top of that, she worked with high school students working toward volunteer hours or wanting to shadow, college students, veterans, working business people, and retired people.
“It was great to get to know some amazing people who I might not have had the opportunity to meet if it wasn’t for the campaign,” said Bedard.
Bedard shares that this experience has helped set her up for a future in this field.
“It’s now an official job on my resume,” said Bedard.
Dedicating her time to this campaign has prepared Bedard for future campaign work.
“I have a better understanding of the job requirements,” said Bedard.
She expressed how beneficial the networking aspect of this position was for her. Not only did Bedard deal with people “solidified in the field” but also former colleagues from the Ohio College Republicans Federation.
Although Bedard gained a lot from this experience, it did not come without difficulty. She shares that her position came with “unique difficulties” that other Regional Directors may not have dealt with. Working in an urban, Democratic area like Toledo, things were challenging at times. She shared that this experience helped prepare her to handle difficult situations in the future.
“I know that I have the experience and ability to face and overcome challenges that were paralyzing in the past,” said Bedard.
Bedard was enthusiastic about participating in campaigns again in the future. “I’d like to do campaign work for about 10 years post-graduation in April,” said Bedard.
Bedard hopes to work the strategic, marketing, and logistics aspect of the political world in the future. She also expresses interest in getting a Masters in Data Analytics or Public Administration in the future.
Not only was Bedard able to gain first-hand experience with campaigning, but she was also able to make connections that will help her gain future employment in the field that she loves.
Bedard will be graduating in April with a Bachelor of Art in political science.
