The study of Political Science will prepare you for a wide range of career options. Whether you want to be a lawyer, a city manager, a state legislator, a foreign diplomat, or the head of a non-profit agency, Political Science provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue your dream. The lists and links below will help you explore some of the many career paths that are possible with a background in Political Science.
Areas |
Employers |
Strategies |
Government |
Public Policy
Public Admin. Research
Peace Corps
Intelligence Service
Foreign Service
Political Affairs
Economic Affairs
Administrative Affairs
Consular Services
US International Communication Agency |
Federal, State, and local governement |
Acquire foreign language competence
Secure interneship
Serve in model United Nations
Become involved in student government
Participate in cross-cultural groups/organizations
Write for campus publications dealing with national and international affairs
Develop skills in math and statistics |
Law |
Lawyer
Legal Assistant |
Corporations
State and local government
Private practice |
Develop research, writing, analytical, and communication skills
Secure internship |
Politics |
Staff of State or National Official
Campaign Worker
Political Party
Public Interest Groups |
Legislators, national and state
Republican/Democratic National Committee
Public Interest Advocacy groups
Campaigns - national, state, county, city |
Volunteer for local or national campaigns
Secure internship
Earn leadership roles in campus/local organizations
Develop verbal & written communication skills
Become involved in campus political organizations, student government, campus publications, and community service projects.
Take courses in statistics, computer science, environmental protection, public policy
Develop network of personal contacts |
Journalism |
Editing
Reporting/Research
Advertising Space
Circulation
Sales |
Large circulation newspapers
Local newspapers
Wire services
Trade newspapers |
Find summer/part-time work and interships
Get sales experience
Gain skills in typing/VDT, photography
Develop excellent grammer, verbal, and writting skills
Serve on college newspaper/yearbook/publications
Become student member of professional group |
International Organizations |
| Private non-profit groups |
|
Master a foreign language
Obtain a business minor |
Business |
International
National
Marketing
Personnel
Advertising
Public Relations
Banking/Finance |
Business Firms |
Develop strong analytical, verbal, writing, and computer skills
Take a business minor or double major
Get experience in area of interest
Earn leadership role in campus organization
Secure internship |
Broadcast Journalism |
News Programming
Production |
Major TV networks
Commercial TV stations
Public TV stations
National radio networks
State/regional radio networks
Medium/small market radio station
Independent radio syndications |
Gain experience in radio, TV: reporting, writing, production, announcing
Secure internship
Volunteer with public radio, TV
Develop good reporting, writing, verbal, and debate skills
Cultivate attractive/appealing appearance
Announce sports events
Become involved in drama: direct, act, work with technical crew |
Education |
|
Public schools
Private schools
Colleges and universities |
Obtain volunteer or work experience with community/church youth programs
Participate in sports (can lead to coaching)
Become involved in student clubs, debate, publications, government, and activities |
