What Can I Do With A Major In Political Science?
Students majoring in political science will confront and reflect on some of the enduring questions and struggles surrounding political life. Students will also gain an understanding of the institutions and the nature of American politics. The major emphasizes the increasing international dimensions of politics, which are unavoidable as we enter the 21st century.
Possible Career Options
(Some may require further education/specialization)Anthropologist
Banker/Financier
Campaign Worker
Chamber of Commerce Manager
Community Relations Director
Congressional Aide
Consumer Advocate
Diplomat
Editor
Foreign Correspondent
Foreign Service Officer
Geographer
Government Intelligence Analyst
Government Worker
Hospital Administrator
International Banker
International Organization Official
International Trade Specialist
Judge
Labor Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Market Research Analyst
Military Officer
Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Penologist
Political Consultant
Political Scientist
Politician
Presidential Advance man
Probation/Parole Officer
Public Administrator/Manager
Public Health Official
Public Opinion Interviewer
Public Recreation Director
Public Relations Specialist
Radio/TV Announcer
Researcher
School Administrator
Survey Worker
Teacher, Social Studies
Technical Writer
Urban/Regional Planner
Writer/Author
Types of Employers
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Advertising Agencies
Archives
Banks
Book/Magazine Publishing Companies
Civic Organizations
Collection Agencies
Community Arts Centers
Community Organizations
Consulting Firms
Cultural Organizations
Education Institutions
Foundations
Historic Sites/Historical Societies
Insurance Companies
Labor Unions
Law Firms
Libraries
Museums
Newspapers
Political Organizations
Professional Associations
Public Interest Groups
Public Relations Firms
Radio/TV Companies
Research Firms
Government Agencies
Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
Department of State
Drug Enforcement Administration
FBI/CIA
Federal/State Congressional Offices
General Accounting Office
National Archives and Records Administration
National Endowment for the Humanities
National Park Service
Peace Corps/AmeriCorp
Political Parties
Smithsonian Institution
US Customs Service
US Information Agency
Transferrable Skills
General Skills
Conducts and explains scientific research clearly
Communicates ideas to others
Focuses on the structure and function of the government and the necessity for human social order
Problem Solving Skills
Thinks analytically
Evaluates problems and makes appropriate decisions
Analyzes concepts, definitions, arguments and complex problems
Organizes ideas, deals with questions of value, and extracts essential information
Distinguishes differences between views and discovers common ground
Persuasive Skills
Constructs clear formulations, good arguments and examples
Builds and defends views and appreciates completing positions
Persuades people and adapts to change
Communication Skills
Speaks articulately
Presents ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments
Expresses a distinctive view and explains difficult material
Eliminates ambiguities and vagueness in communication
Constructs useful analogies
Writes interpretively, argumentatively and descriptively
Develops structure and technique while anchoring generalizations
Research Skills
Reads comprehensively
Organizes and interprets social, economic and political data
Summarizes complicated materials
Other Useful Things
Time management and organizational skills
Goal setting and attainment skills
Flexibility
Experiential Education
Assisting with registration at a National Party Convention
Working on a campaign to elect a state politician
Serving as a Page in Congress
Becoming a research assistant for a professor
Working for a lobbying organization
Researching political issues/campaigns for a national library/museum
Professional Associations
American Academy of Political and Social Science,
aapss.org
Political Science Quarterly,
psqonline.org
International Political Science Association,
ipsa.org
The American Political Science Association,
apsanet.org
National Endowment for Democracy,
ned.org
Enhancing Your Employability
Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills
Participate in internships and field experience placements
Participate in a study abroad trip
Become active in alumni and/or mentor networks
Plan on a graduate degree for advancement
Take part in mock interview opportunities