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John Podesta
John Podesta
00:45

John Podesta

Center for American Progress

Washington, DC USA

"What's important is to find something, that, at the end of the day, feels like something you really want to be doing and love doing."

Career Roadmap

John's work combines: Government, Politics, and Communicating / Sharing Stories

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Day In The Life

President/CEO

I lead my organization's mission to improve the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Knox College

  • Doctorate

    Law

    Georgetown University

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Grew up in Chicago.

  • 2.

    His father worked in factories his whole life and always pushed John to get a good education.

  • 3.

    Graduated with a law degree from Georgetown University's Law Center.

  • 4.

    Worked for the Department of Justice and four different Congressional offices.

  • 5.

    President Clinton appointed him Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff.

  • 6.

    Founded the Center for American Progress, a progressive public policy research and advocacy organization.

  • 7.

    Says the organization is a way for him to express his bond with his community.

  • 8.

    Stresses that you're going to have a career for a long time, so you should find something that you love doing.