Political Science Careers

Government

• Complete an internship in government or related area.
• Serve in model United Nations.
• Become involved in student government.
• Participate in cross-cultural groups and 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.
• Supplement curriculum with business courses.
• Earn a graduate degree in political science or public administration for advancement.
• Volunteer with the staff of a government official.
• Participate in local or national campaigns.

Law

• Law firms
• Corporations
• Federal, state, and local government
• Private practice
• Special interest groups
• Universities

• Develop excellent research, writing, analysis, and communication skills.
• Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree.
• Obtain specialized certification for paralegal positions.

Politics

• Legislative, executive, or judicial officials
• National, state, or local government
• Political action committees
• Special interest groups
• Political parties
• Campaigns (national, state, or local)

• Volunteer for national or local campaigns.
• Gain experience through internships in government.
• Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations.
• Seek leadership roles on the regional or national level.
• Become involved in campus political organizations, student government, campus publications, or community service projects.
• Take courses in statistics, computer science, environmental protection, or public policy.
• Develop a network of personal contacts.
• Be prepared to begin a political career as a volunteer before moving to full-time or paid positions.

Nonprofit

• Nonprofit organizations
• Foundations
• Professional associations
• Special interest groups

• Gain experience through volunteering or completing an internship.
• Supplement curriculum with courses in business, psychology, sociology, or social work.
• Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations.
• Develop strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area (e.g., public health, environment, urban issues).

Business

• Product and service organizations
• Retail stores
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Manufacturers
• Financial companies
• Insurance companies
• Print and electronic media
• Other business corporations

• Develop strong analytical, verbal, writing, and computer skills.
• Acquire a business minor or add business as a double major.
• Gain experience in an area of interest through internships or other employment.
• Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.

Journalism

• Newspapers (national, local, or trade)
• Wire services
• Magazines
• internet sites
• Large corporations
• Political parties
• Political action committees

• Obtain summer or part-time work experience with a newspaper or magazine.
• Complete an internship in journalism.
• Choose writing intensive coursework.
• Become proficient in desktop publishing and photography.
• Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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.

Broadcasting

• Television stations (network, cable, or public)
• Radio stations (regional or national)
• Independent syndications

• Complete an internship in radio or television.
• Experience in government or political affairs is usually required for specialized reporting positions.
• Volunteer with public or campus media.
• Develop strong reporting, writing, and debating skills.
• Cultivate an attractive and appealing appearance.
• Volunteer to announce local or campus sporting events.
• Become involved in drama (i.e., direct, act, or work with technical crew).

Education

• Public schools
• Private schools
• Colleges and universities

• Obtain appropriate state teacher certification for public school opportunities.
• Gain certification in more than one subject for greater marketability.
• Earn a Ph.D. for college teaching or research positions.
• Volunteer with community or church youth programs to gain experience working with children and adolescents.
• Become involved in student organizations, debate, publications, government, and athletics.