Political Science and Government

Common Career Paths

• Public policy
• Research
• Intelligence
• Foreign service
• Law enforcement
• General services
• Legislative, executive, or judicial services
• Program administration

Employers

Strategies

• Take courses or minor in applicable interest area(s).
• Seek leadership roles in relevant campus organizations such as model United Nations, student government, and cross-cultural organizations.
• Write for campus publications focused on national and international affairs.
• Develop skills in computers, statistics, and data analysis.
• Acquire foreign language competency and travel experience for international positions.
• Do extensive research of specialized agencies within the federal government to find the area that best fits your interests.
• Become familiar with the government application process. Utilize applicable websites and seek assistance from your college career center.
• Obtain an internship in a federal agency or department.
• Participate in national campaigns.
• Conduct informational interviews with government employees.
• Build a strong personal network.

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Common Career Paths

• Prosecution
• Defense
• Contractual
• Corporate
• Nonprofit or public interest
• Government
• Mediation
• Law assistance
• Lobbying
• Other specialties

Employers

Strategies

• Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
• Participate in debate teams to hone communication skills.
• Choose courses or a minor to specialize in a particular area of law, (e.g., a minor in business for a career in corporate law, a minor in human development and family science for a career in family law).
• Gain practical experience through an internship, part-time job or summer work in a law firm.
• Shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
• Get involved in pre-law organizations.
• Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree (JD).
• Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations.
• Prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
• Obtain specialized certification for paralegal positions.

Common Career Paths

• Elected or appointed leadership
• Campaign management
• Staff administration
• Special interest advocacy
• Political advising
• Lobbying
• Public policy
• Public relations
• Community organizing
• Government relations

Employers

Strategies

• Volunteer for national, state, or local campaigns.
• Be prepared to begin a political career as a volunteer before moving to paid positions.
• Consider beginning a career in another field (law, medicine, business) before campaigning for office. Many elected officials’ careers did not originate in politics.
• Gain experience through internships with government agencies, lobbying firms, or legislatures.
• Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations.
• Become involved in campus political groups, student government, publications, or community service projects.
• Take courses in statistics, public policy, or other specific interest areas.
• Get involved with a political party/group and develop a personal network. The ability to build networks, coalitions, and alliances with other associations is highly valued.
• Develop excellent public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills.

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Common Career Paths

• Governance
• Policy making and analysis
• Public sector reform
• Poverty-reduction strategy
• Ethics and anti-corruption
• Human rights
• Public law
• Organization and management development
• Resource development
• Public-private partnerships
• Media/Communication policy and practice education

Employers

Strategies

• Earn a double major or minor in order to gain additional skills or knowledge, (e.g., Africana studies, Asian studies, business, psychology).
• Spend time studying or working abroad. Make and maintain contacts in foreign countries.
• Seek cultural experiences on campus and get involved with the international student population.
• Obtain internships or volunteer to gain experience in areas of interest.
• Participate in overseas mission trips or spend a Semester at Sea.
• Research the history and culture of interest areas.
• Become proficient in at least one foreign language.
• Learn about international travel regulations and take steps towards obtaining work or study visas for various locations.
• Plan to earn a graduate degree in international affairs, foreign policy, or other specialty areas.
• Consider entering the Peace Corps.

Common Career Paths

• Sales
• Human resources
• Management
• Public relations
• Market research
• Customer service
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Product design
• Real estate

Employers

Strategies

• Develop strong analytical, verbal, and writing skills.
• Take additional coursework, minor, or add a secondary major in business.
• Gain relevant experience in an area of interest through internships or other employment.
• Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Hone computer skills and learn software packages such as databases, spreadsheets and presentations.
• Remain aware of current issues related to corporate law.
• Become knowledgeable about different business models including corporate social responsibility.

Common Career Paths

• Administration
• Management
• Public relations
• Fund raising/Development
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Grant writing
• Direct service
• Advocacy
• Volunteer coordination

Employers

Strategies

• Gain practical experience through volunteering or completing an internship with a nonprofit organization of interest.
• Earn a minor or supplement curriculum with courses in business, psychology, sociology, or social work.
• Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus and community organizations.
• Develop strong communication and research skills.
• Learn grant writing skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area, (e.g., public health, environment, urban issues).
• Research organizations’ values to find a good fit for you. It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and committed to the work you’re going to do.
• Investigate terms of service or service corps positions to enter the field (e.g. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, VISTA)
• Consider earning a graduate degree for more job opportunities and advancement.

Common Career Paths

• Editing
• Reporting
• Circulation
• Sales
• Publishing
• Electronic media
• Public relations
• News programming
• Production

Employers

Strategies

• Obtain an internship or work experience with a newspaper, magazine, radio station, or television station.
• Become proficient in desktop publishing and photography.
• Develop a professional network and become aware of various social medias.
• Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work.
• Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills through communications courses or other writing intensive coursework.
• Join the college newspaper, yearbook, or other publication staff.
• Become a student member of professional associations.
• Create a portfolio of published writing samples.
• Obtain experience in and knowledge of a specialty area of interest. Experience in government is usually required for specialized reporting positions.
• Develop professional image for television or other visual media positions.
• Volunteer to announce local or campus sporting events.
• Become involved in drama (e.g., direct, act, or work with technical crew).

Common Career Paths

Employers

Strategies

• Seek experiences with youth through summer jobs at your campus or other community organizations.
• Gain related experience on campus through student leadership opportunities such as Peer Mentors, Resident Assistants, or Orientation Leaders.
• Complete a teacher preparation program to teach in the public school system.
• Obtain teaching certificate/license for desired subject area and/or grade level. Requirements for certification/licensure vary by state. Seek multiple certifications to increase employability.
• Consider obtaining a graduate degree in the subject area of interest. Private schools may prefer candidates with greater subject knowledge.
• Earn a master’s degree in student personnel, student development, counseling, or library/information sciences for student affairs and librarian positions.
• Consider obtaining a doctoral degree to teach and research at four-year institutions or to enter the highest level of university administration. A master’s or Ph.D. degree is required to teach at two-year schools.