CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS

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1 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS If there is one question that career counselors and faculty advisors are asked more often than all others by students seeking assistance with career planning, it is this: "What can I do with this major?" An undergraduate student in the liberal arts and sciences is actually developing a broad array of skills that might be applied to any number of careers, rather than developing an in-depth expertise in just one area. Therefore, a better question to pose might be: "What skills am I developing in my major, and how might I explore careers that would require these skills? A major in political science prepares an individual for careers directly related to many fields. For example, Political Science majors study governments and how they develop, operate, and interact. Some specialize in political theory or philosophy. Most, however, are concerned with the structure and operation of government units, such as the presidency and congress. They try to help government leaders develop policies and plan programs to meet social needs. SKILLS/ABILITIES Verbal & written communication skills Research skills Self Confidence Analytical skills Leadership skills Detail oriented Public speaking skills Ability to develop rapport with others Problem Solving skills Reading Comprehension skills Natural Curiosity Strong organizational skills Work well under pressure Sound Judgment Sense of Fairness Persistence Ability to work independently Dedication Self motivated Ability to influence others Willingness to work hard Ability to communicate effectively Well organized Proofreading skills Commitment to public service Aptitude for leadership Ambitious and outgoing Desire to influence others Public appeal Ability to interpret social/political data Ability to handle criticism and opposing views effectively

2 : OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS This list is just a sampling of job opportunities for Political Science Majors. Account Executive Account Service Rep Advocate Archivist Association Manager Attorney Broadcast Journalist Business Development Specialist Buyer Campaign Manager Chief Operating Officer City Manager Community Relations Director Congressional Aide Congressional Researcher Consultant Consumer Advocate Development Associate Development Director Development Officer Direct Marketing Coordinator Director of Affiliate Services Director of Communications Director of Education Director of Finance & Administration Director of Public Affairs Environmental Policy Analyst Executive Director FBI/CIA Agent Field Director Foreign Correspondent Foreign Service Officer Government Intelligence Analyst Grants Administrator Historic Preservationist Historic Site Interpreter International Businessperson International Organization Official International Trade Specialist Labor Organizer Labor Relations Specialist Law Enforcement Officer Legal Assistant Legislative Analyst Lobbyist Major Gift Officer Management Analyst Market Research Analyst Media Analyst Media Relations Director Newspaper/Magazine Journalist Paralegal Peace Corps/Vista Worker Planned Giving Specialist Political Pollster Politician President Presidential Advance Person Probation/Parole Officer Program Associate Program Director Program Officer Public Administrator/Manager Public Opinions Interviewer Public Relations Coordinator Real Estate Agent Regional Development Manager Sales Manager Teacher Underwriter Vice President Volunteer Coordinator Writer/Auditor

3 Suggestions to Enhance Your Skills Acquire foreign language competence Obtain a relevant internship Become involved in student government Participate in cross-cultural groups/organizations Write for campus newspaper regarding national/international affairs Volunteer for local/national campaigns Obtain leadership roles in campus/local organizations & community service Become a member of a professional group/organization Become more knowledgeable about public issues Take classes in advanced writing, literature, public speaking, history, economics, philosophy, political science and sociology Join the International relations club Be active in Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honor Society) Join the International Association for Political Science Students Join the American Political Science Association Volunteer to work at voting polls Obtain an experience at a political office (work, volunteer, internship)

4 RESEARCHING YOUR CAREER IDEAS How do you find out what s out there? Researching careers is a time-consuming, but necessary process. Waiting until graduation to start thinking about your career plans is as foolish as studying after you ve taken your final exams. 1. Written and On-line Resources: Visit Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center (located on the ground floor of East Hathorn Hall) Visit the Chalmer Davee Library Browse the Internet, such as Career & Counseling Services Web Page ( 2. People Resources: Talk with Faculty and Alumni Join Professional Organizations Conduct Occupational Interviews Use Career & Counseling Services Career Information Network Consult Employer Directories and the Yellow Pages 3. Obtain Direct Experience: Job Shadowing Volunteer or part-time work Internships are essential! Talk with your departmental faculty coordinator for internship information.

5 CAREER RESOURCES FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center (Ground Floor, East Hathorn Hall) Career & Counseling Services Career Resource Center is open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; and until 7:00 PM Thursday evenings. The following books may be of particular interest to students majoring in Political Science: Opportunities in State and Local Government Careers Opportunities in Federal Government Careers 100 Jobs in Social Change Career Choices for the 90 s Law Career Choices for the 90 s History Career Choices for the 90 s Political Science and Government Careers and the Study of Political Science A Guide for Undergraduates Great Jobs for Political Science Majors John Douglas s Guide to Careers in the FBI Careers in Government Guide to Careers in World Affairs Complete Guide to International Jobs & Careers Careers in International Affairs Careers for History Buffs and Others Who Learn From the Past Opportunities in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Careers Career Opportunities in Law & Management Great Jobs for Liberal Arts Majors 100 Best Careers in Crimefighting Career Opportunities in Law Enforcement, Security, & Protective Services Guide to Law Enforcement Careers: Your Criminal Justice Career Careers for Legal Eagles and Other Law-and-Order Types So You Want to be a Lawyer Check out these web resources for political science: the American Political Science Association Online International Association for Political Science Students