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What are the pros and cons of majoring in political science?
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PwC’s Answer
Studying Political Science equips you with fantastic skills that are valuable in any career path you choose. You'll develop powerful abilities in written communication, delivering presentations, and conducting research. Plus, you'll dive into a broad range of intriguing topics, from the workings of Political Economy to the principles of Social Justice. This well-rounded approach is a treasure for anyone with a thirst for knowledge and intellectual growth. Understanding the big-picture geopolitical landscape and local political structures can significantly influence everyday business. Keeping these insights in your toolkit can offer you a highly relevant viewpoint in your professional life.
Katie Carlson
Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Compliance
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Katie’s Answer
I was a double major in political science and Italian. I was able to get a very competitive internship in my state’s governor’s policy office. When I graduated, I was able to get a job in government relations for a big corporation. I had a lot of networking connections, which was key.
It really depends on what you want to do. To make a career, you will need good internships and you will need to be involved in political campaigns. Once I got into it, I realized I liked the compliance side more than the lobbying/campaign side, so that was what I did for most of my 20s and 30s. Some folks do that for a while and then get into law. I did not, I moved into corporate social responsibility.
The down side is you get into it and figure out that you greatly dislike campaign work, politics, lobbying, fundraising, etc. No matter what job, networking is key, but especially in politics. If you don’t have a network through friends and family, you will have to hustle to get one. Some find that challenging and appealing. Some do not. That’s up to you.
It really depends on what you want to do. To make a career, you will need good internships and you will need to be involved in political campaigns. Once I got into it, I realized I liked the compliance side more than the lobbying/campaign side, so that was what I did for most of my 20s and 30s. Some folks do that for a while and then get into law. I did not, I moved into corporate social responsibility.
The down side is you get into it and figure out that you greatly dislike campaign work, politics, lobbying, fundraising, etc. No matter what job, networking is key, but especially in politics. If you don’t have a network through friends and family, you will have to hustle to get one. Some find that challenging and appealing. Some do not. That’s up to you.
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Jerry’s Answer
I'm not sure what the pros and cons of majoring in Political Science (notice the caps; it is an academic discipline) are for you as I know nothing about you. No background. It would help.
I majored in Political Science and re4ceived advanced degrees in the discipline. I taught for thirty-eight years at the university and college level. Courses: American National Government, State and Local Government, Constitutional Law and Public Administration.
I grew up in a very political family. My parents were not of the same political party and therefore dinner conversations were interesting and thought provoking. Both of my parents took me to see and hear the political elites of the day.
My first two years at university constituted the "core", taking a wide range of subjects in order to help underclassmen determine what interested them as a major. From a American National Government course I finally decided upon a major. I minored in history as I spent my youth reading history and excelled in the subject in junior high (middle school) and high school. And the two fit together for me.
Now. What to do with it. I had academic advisors and there was the possibility of law school. But I wasn't interested. Government employment was also a possibility. Then I was shown employment opportunities in academia. Several. I applied. I had several offers. I took the single one offered by a university.
I spent two years as an Instructor of Political Science. I could have stayed and perhaps been offered tenure.
But I wanted to experience working in the government bureaucracy. I took a position as the Administrative Assistant to a bureau director at a state department. Fifteen months. Learned the basics of government application of laws and policy.
But teaching was what I wanted to do. For the next thirty-six years I did exactly that.
No regrets.
But I kn ow nothing about you. As a student or as a person. I know nothing regarding your interests. Your background.
Therefore the above is as much as I can offer you.
I majored in Political Science and re4ceived advanced degrees in the discipline. I taught for thirty-eight years at the university and college level. Courses: American National Government, State and Local Government, Constitutional Law and Public Administration.
I grew up in a very political family. My parents were not of the same political party and therefore dinner conversations were interesting and thought provoking. Both of my parents took me to see and hear the political elites of the day.
My first two years at university constituted the "core", taking a wide range of subjects in order to help underclassmen determine what interested them as a major. From a American National Government course I finally decided upon a major. I minored in history as I spent my youth reading history and excelled in the subject in junior high (middle school) and high school. And the two fit together for me.
Now. What to do with it. I had academic advisors and there was the possibility of law school. But I wasn't interested. Government employment was also a possibility. Then I was shown employment opportunities in academia. Several. I applied. I had several offers. I took the single one offered by a university.
I spent two years as an Instructor of Political Science. I could have stayed and perhaps been offered tenure.
But I wanted to experience working in the government bureaucracy. I took a position as the Administrative Assistant to a bureau director at a state department. Fifteen months. Learned the basics of government application of laws and policy.
But teaching was what I wanted to do. For the next thirty-six years I did exactly that.
No regrets.
But I kn ow nothing about you. As a student or as a person. I know nothing regarding your interests. Your background.
Therefore the above is as much as I can offer you.
Updated
Jason’s Answer
I think the pros would be that government is always in existence and doesn't go out of business. You also get to work with a broad range of professionals and specialists in their fields. The cons would be that government workers can sometimes be furloughed or funding can end for certain programs or teams. Since governments are very linked to the economy and world affairs, things can change rather quickly from year to year or administration to administration. Having an exit plan and a re-entry strategy between the public and private sectors is beneficial to stay flexible.
Thank you so much!
FAITH