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What kind of jobs can I get with a political science degree?

I am switching my major from biology to political science and I'm just wondering what kind of jobs can i get with this degree. #science #political-science

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Peregrin’s Answer

So my answer to you is that you can do almost anything you want with a degree in Political Science!

I personally have a political science degree and both a BA and MA in Russian Studies. My interests were all international relations. I started down a traditional path of working with some journalists who were trying to start up a new wire service. From there I learned some technical skills, which today, should be standard teaching, around database, statistics, etc... I think moved into a startup that was doing financial reporting on emerging markets, so my technical skills evolved and I began managing people. From there I joined a very large company (still there today) in an IT role as a project manager. My analytical skills, which I developed in political theory classes, came in very handy, along with my ability to communicate effectively and analyze a wide variety of items.

At this point, my career has included executive level IT positions, product development roles, process engineering, and work in business transformation. All the skills I learned in Political Science, not so much the facts about how a county government functions vs a State, Federal, etc... but you use all sorts of skills and having insight into how large organizations (a large corporation is not so different from a government and its departments) function, how to assess power structures, how to assess people (re: The Human Condition), these are all great skills in the corporate world.

Now... from a practical perspective, a Political Science degree does not necessarily make it easier to get the foot into the door, as there is more automated screening today than when I was starting out, but being able to analyze something and be articulate in how you present it, is a very useful skill and one that is definitely developed in Political Science!

Best of luck to you, find a job that you love to do, but don't fear that what you are learning in political science classes won't help you in anything you want to do.
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Kathleen’s Answer

Hello there! I graduated with a political science degree from college. I initially thought I wanted to get into politics and run a candidate's political campaign but an internship helping a woman who was running for the house of delegates in Maryland changed my mind. I became a paralegal working for a family law paralegal where I had heavy client contact helping them through some very trying times. Paralegals bill at lower rates than attorneys so many times it makes economical sense for clients to work with paralegals. Therefore, you'll help them prepare such things as answers to interrogatories, complete documents that require financial information, draft and prepare motions, etc. Several years ago, I made a career change and started working at Verizon. I am thrilled that I made this decision! There are so many opportunities for folks who have political science backgrounds at a company like Verizon. For example, we have a robust Legal and State & Government Affairs Departments. Even if you're working in a field that is un-related to your political science major, you do so much writing during your undergraduate career as a poli sci student that you graduate with strong writing and researching skills. These are invaluable skills to possess as many people do not know to write well.
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Katie’s Answer

Traditionally political major students then go into law, however the skills you gain in communication prepares you for a wide range of career choices such as, journalism, personal relations, or campaign management. The skills you pick up will translate well into other fields that require interpersonal relationships.

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The following are the fields where you can find entry
• Advertising.
• Journalism.
• Public relations.
• Social media.
• Audio media.
• Convergence.
• Civil services.
• Administration.
• International Affairs.
• Parliamentarians
• Politicians
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James’s Answer

Hello Jarrin,


Even though I do not personally have a degree in political science, I was able to research the specific question you asked. I found the website for the American Political Science Association which offered some really detailed information about political science careers. According to the aforementioned website, "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; pre-collegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching" ("Careers in Political Science," n.d.). The website also has an extensive list of specific careers available to individuals with political science degrees. The link to the website will be included as a part of my references. If you have any further question, please feel free to post them here. As always, thank you for sharing your question with Career Village!


References:


Careers in Political Science. (n.d.). American Political Science Association. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.apsanet.org/careersinpoliticalscience
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Maija’s Answer

I minored in Political Science, many of my friends who majored in Political Science did everything from go on to law school to bet elected to State legislature. There are many opportunities for internships and introductory jobs with government agencies in D.C and elsewhere. My friend who currently serves as a State Representative, was an intern in Congress and worked on many local campaigns before running himself.

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