"Where an organization like the [Institute of Politics] does help is in getting jobs and summer internships," says Republican Club President Emil G. Michael '94. "I will be working for the Supreme Court of the Heritage Foundation."

But even as the build contacts that may later work to their advantage, student politicians worry about acting in ways that may later jeopardize their chances of being elected.

"If you look at the politicians, the things that really hurt them can start this early," says Gregory P. Chernack '93, president of students for Clinton. "When you get to a national level, your life will be completely dissected."

Just what offices these students politicians will seek is up in the air. Many talk about the governorships of their home state. Some see themselves as legislators. Others want to work behind the scenes before deciding.

"I guess I might be interested in something political in 25 years--if I've achieved something somewhere else," says Adam D. Taxin '93, former co-chair of the Undergraduate Council's academics committee. "President for life might be good Or maybe benign dictator or philosopherking."

"I certainly do not see myself entering politics out of my undergraduate or graduate work," says Maya G. Prabhu '94, co-chair of the council academics committee.

"I really have a problem with career politicians."

For students seeking government office, the proper educational background is vital. Many student politicians concentrate in government, though they are quick to reject the sterotype of the overbearing, briefcase-toting "gov jock."

didn't want to be a typical student politician--the gov jock who plans out every year how he's going to become president of the United States," says Aronberg, a government concentrator who will be eligible for his first run for the presidency in 2008.

Some students say they take pride in breaking the "gov jock' mold.

"I pride myself on being an economics concentrator," says Taxin. "I've taken only one gov course at Harvard, and I didn't do very well in it."

But he cautions, "Gov concentrators dominate the [Undergraduate Council]."

And not every student believes Harvard should be a training ground for those with political ambitions.

"College activism is about idealism," says Harry James Wilson '93, who says he plans to enter academia before trying his hand at elective politics. "It's not a question of trying to pad your resume."

Aside from on student politician, who admits to "over-footnoting" to avoid even the appearance of academic dishonesty, students say they worry mostly about how their social lives will play politically.