Career Opportunities in Political
Science
Political science is the study of
governments - their procedures and policies - and the political behavior of
citizens and officials. Governments might include nation states, international
organizations or the sub-units of government such as counties, states,
provinces etc. Power and conflict are frequent topics of study but so are the
means used to make collective and policy decisions such as elections and
legislative voting. In studying these topics, political scientists use
philosophical, historical and legalistic and quantitative methods.
Students of political science develop the
ability to conceptualize, think analytically, and communicate effectively.
Thus, it provides good preparation for law school or careers in administration,
urban affairs, and other social sciences. Common areas of employment following
graduation include teaching, public relations, government service at the
federal, state or local level, lobbying with interest groups or business,
policy research, journalism, and campaign work (polling, media relations etc.).
In addition, a large number of graduates go into business: marketing,
personnel, advertising, banking and finance. Another career avenue is with
non-profit agencies that receive contracts to perform services funded by
government. Relatively few students are hired as a "political
scientist," since few jobs specifically call for this specialization.
Graduates with computer skills or training in a specialized policy area or policy
analysis in general are most likely to find government jobs.
Sample Job Titles
|
Bachelor's
Degree/Entry Level
|
Further
Education/Experience Often Required
|
|
*lobbyist assistant
or campaign assoc.
|
*labor relations
specialist
|
|
*paralegal
|
*legislative
coordinator
|
|
*international
business
|
*public relations
officer
|
|
*legislative
correspondent
|
*political campaign
manager
|
|
*broadcast journalist
|
*lawyer
|
|
*foreign service
officer
|
*political
representative
|
|
*staff assistant
|
|
Some Employers of Political Science Majors
- consulting firms
- state/federal government
- colleges/universities
- public/international affairs offices
- political parties
- private/public interest groups
- campaign management firms
- business and industry
- non-profit organizations
- newspapers
Other Sources of Information
Advocacy Jobs Search
www.execsearches.com/exec/
American Political Science Association
www.apsanet.org
Cato (Think Tank)
www.cato.org
Heritage Foundation (Think Tank)
www.heritage.com
Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations
www.opportunitynocs.org/
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
www.naspaa.org
Peace Science Society
pss.la.psu.edu/
Political Job Listings in DC
www.rollcall.com and www.hillnews.com
Source: University of Delaware
Career Services web site: http://www.udel.edu/CSC/posc.html