President of the United States

Presidents have served our country following many different careers. 

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT

1. Born within the USA

2. Age 35 or older at the time taking office

3. A resident of the USA for at least 14 years

VARIED CAREER BACKGROUNDS

Alphabetically, our Presidents have engaged in the following careers before being elected to the highest political office:

Architect

Civil Rights Lawyer

Community Activist

Congressman

Corporate Spokesperson

Engineer

Farmer

Governor

Haberdasher (dealer in men’s clothing)

Inventor

Journalist

Judge

Mayor

Military General

Movie Actor

Newspaper Editor

Oil Company Executive

Postmaster

Professor

Rancher

Real Estate Developer

Rector (job title for some college Presidents) 

School Teacher

Secretary of State – U.S.

Senator

Sheriff

Soldier

Sports Team Owner

Surveyor

Tailor

Tariff Collector

Television Station Owner

University President

WHY NOT ME ?!

Good question! Indeed, there are just three legal requirements. No prior Presidential – or Vice Presidential or any governing experience, is necessary.  

Some say that serving is easier than being elected. 

Advice from some of your Presidential predecessors: “If you want to have a friend in Washington, D.C., buy a dog.” That means: If you want to govern in the best interests of the country and not just for the financial interests of yourself and your friends, do the “right” thing but then be prepared to make political enemies (hopefully not the kind who would storm the Capitol in protest.)

Give it a try!  However, it might be smart to have a back-up career plan.