Careers for Political Science Major
There are actually more career options than you might have thought for political science major. Political science careers are not limited to only government jobs, law firms or being a professor. There are a variety of opportunities exist for political science graduates. The education background and skills of a student will determine the type of jobs and careers that he or she will be pursuing.
The following are some guidelines to help you to identify the career options for political science major.
Skills and Passion in Political Science
1. If you have passion about how the government works and how the society functions and coupled with an analytical mind as well as strong writing skill, a major in political science is certainly a perfect fit for you. These skills are not only applicable in political science careers, but also in a wide range of other careers.
Civil Service for Political Science Graduates
2. Jobs in government or politics are usually the starting point for some political science graduates before climbing up the corporate ladder. For examples, campaign organizers, legislative staffer and lobbyist assistant are just some of the popular entry level jobs that are highly sought after by political science graduates. Therefore, if you are fresh out of colleges with a degree in political science, these are ideal positions for you to gain invaluable experiences to advance further in your careers.
Advantages of Government Positions
3. Working in government sectors is always beneficial especially when you are an aide to an elected representative. You will gain assess to government policies, affairs related to decision making and constituent business. The experiences gained at government posts are always helpful in moving you up the careers ladder. Therefore, the best thing to do while holding a position as a civil servant is to build up your political contacts which can be utilized later in your political science careers to get recommendations for propelling yourself as an elected office or to get an appointment to a management position in a government agency.
Beyond Government Work
4. Local, state and federal government work is not only the option for political science careers. Other positions such as non-profit agency directors and corporate public affair officers are also popular alternative to government work. In addition, careers in education, consulting and journalism are all possible choices. Therefore, all you need to do is to look around and explore whatever options are available.
Going to Graduate School
5. A political science degree may not be enough if you are looking for management level opportunity in government. Advance level position such as a directors or corporate officers may require a master degree in order to have better chance of being promoted. Therefore, you are highly recommended to go to graduate school to obtain a master degree or even a PhD.
Moreover, a master degree in political science can also serve as an excellent preparation for teaching or research careers in academic institutions.
Double Degree in Political Science
6. A double in degree in political science involve both a political science degree and a degree in other field of study such as journalism or business. The advantage of doing this is that a student who combines a business degree with a political science major might find employment as a consultant or in corporate public affairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, political science careers are not limited to government work and they are literally many options available such as a corporate officer, legal assistant or a journalist. At the same time, a career with the government is not only useful in gaining experiences in political science but also in building political connections to some big shots. Most entry level political science careers are available in government sectors. As such, you are recommended to start off your political science careers at government agencies or departments.
