What types of education should I have so that I can be in politics?

Hi Olivia,

A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.

Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

Internship Resources:

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  Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internship programs bring the policy making process to life. The nation's capital serves as the backdrop for our internship programs that offer personal, educational, and leadership development. Students leave our programs better prepared to meet the complex challenges facing current and future generations.

  
  


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  The Fund for American Studies was founded to help instill in young people an appreciation for the American form of government and the free enterprise system. TFAS sponsors institutes that teach college students about the principles and values upon which the United States was founded. Each institute offers classroom study, internships, and special events. Students in the summer are housed together at Georgetown University while the Capital Semester students live in a newly-renovated intern residence building located on Capitol Hill.

  
  


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  Ford Motor Company/Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Leadership Program This program offers a unique internship experience for students to develop their personal, educational, and leadership skills. Oppportunities for students to gain exposure to the inner workings of the United States Congress, Federal Government, and Washington, D.C.-based think tanks and international institutions.

  
  


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  Idealist.org Idealist is a project of Action Without Borders, a nonprofit organization founded in 1995 with offices in the United States and Argentina. Idealist is an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas, locate opportunities, including jobs and internships, and take steps toward building a world where all people can lead free and dignified lives.

  
  


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  Washington Internship Institute - The Washington Internship Institute (WII) is a project of the Institute for Experiential Learning. The Institute for Experiential Learning (IEL), an educational nonprofit organization, is committed to individual development through excellence in experiential education. Active learning by participants, including disciplined reflection about individual goals, intercultural competence, and personal attention from IEL staff, are at the heart of IEL's mission. They offer resources for obtaining internships in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors offer first-hand knowledge and practical experience for all majors.

  
  

See more in: http://www.apsanet.org/RESOURCES/For-Students/Internship-Resources

Diplomas, Certificates, and Associate Degrees in Political Science:

Working professionals or students who did not complete their undergraduate degrees in political science can enhance their skills by enrolling in certificate programs or pursuing associate's degrees in the field. Certificate programs offer students the opportunity to build crucial skills in specialty areas. For working professionals, certificate programs can provide extra expertise to qualify for promotions or career moves.

An associate degree in political science can expose a student to some of the career opportunities available in public service. However, competition for paid opportunities is so fierce that most colleges and universities encourage associate's degree candidates to roll over their course credits into a full four-year program or into a master's degree program.

Read all the paths about the degree in: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/social-science/political-science-major.htm

Have a brilliant career!!

Hi Olivia!

Here is a web site that would help you to become involved in politics
goingpolitical.com/how-to-become-a-politician/

Many people get involved in politics after they have become successful in a career area, so that they can show people what they have done and how they can help people in the political arena.

Start by talking to your school counselor about taking an interest and aptitude test to determine what would be a good career area for you to pursue and locating people that you can visit to learn more about that area.

Talk to the government and political science teachers at your school to get their ideas about how you might fit into politics and arrange to talk with people that they think would be appropriate for you to meet.

Talk to your local counsel men and women to learn more about the area and how they got there and what they do and how they feel about it.

Take advantage of coop, internship, shadowing, and volunteer opportunities that would allow you to become more involved and aware of that area.

Send thank you notes to people who help you.

Good luck! Keep me posted! I would like to help further if I can.