Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
The transition into the world of politics or law for political science grads is smooth—like, room-temp-butter smooth. After all, they've certainly spent a large chunk of time mulling over life's biggest political and social issues. But ye be warned: The major isn't necessarily a crash course in how to navigate the job world.
Sigh. "But how do I get experience if I need experience to get experience?" We'll be honest here. Straight out of college, social science majors sometimes have a hard time getting started. Sure, there are a few who land stellar jobs right away, but most have to start from the bottom and intern in a senator's office or work at a small newspaper at the political desk for a few years before their first big break. Once this big break comes, though, it is sweeter than a Kit-Kat bar. After all, political science grads have the opportunity to change the world, and that is pretty sweet indeed.
Common Career Fields
Campaign Manager. No man is an island, even when it comes to politicians. Whenever a politician runs for office, a whole truckload of people are working behind the scenes. At the top, we have the campaign manager, who oversees everything from fundraising to advertising, from public policy to polling stats. Campaign managers usually have political backgrounds from taking political science courses in college and working in the industry afterwards. To work for big campaigns (talkin' presidential), campaign managers also need some years of experience and an entire network of political connections. Better start sending friend requests.
Court Reporter. (Also known as a stenographer.) Since court cases become a matter of public record, a reporter is needed to type all that is said in court, for the record. This is super helpful when something needs be read back to a sleepy, distractible jury member who stayed up all night watching Sherlock—you know, hypothetically. Obviously, one must possess lightning-fast finger abilities and excellent listening skills to be an effective court reporter, but it also helps when you can fill in the blanks with existing political knowledge.
Journalist. If you never thought you'd use your stellar writing skills and efficient work pace you picked up in college, think again. After studying politics in college, a lot of political science majors would rather report about policy as journalists than make it themselves. That type of heavy responsibility is for superheroes, anyway.
Also, bonus: Working at a newspaper or TV station will give you the chance to showcase your political prowess and be the in-house expert on political matters. You won't just write about what's happening in Washington, you'll tell the world what you think about it, too. Who doesn't like sharing their informed opinions with millions of listeners? (We sure do.)
Judge. (Requires a law degree.) If you like to have people stand when you enter a room and call you, "your honor," then you should consider a career as a judge…and probably nothing else. Lawyers may fight for the law, and police may enforce the law, but judges rule when it comes to the law (pun so very intended). Rulings are based on two things: the facts and the law. If political science students want to become judges after they so gloriously obtain their degrees, it's off to law school they go. Fortunately for the justice system, having years of law experience is required before one can even dream about that gavel life.
Lawyer. (Requires a law degree.) Writing briefs? Check. Presenting well-organized arguments? Check. Offering clear, professional advice? Check. Sounds a lot like the political science major, no? Well, we were actually describing a law degree—surprise. Since these areas of study have such similar skill sets, it's certainly not surprising that students of both majors head off into the world of law. If you've ever dreamt about defending the (maybe) innocent and carrying around a stylish briefcase, going into law is definitely your bag.
Politician. A lot of political science majors head straight to Washington after Pomp-n-Circumstancin' out of school in their cap and gown. A lot of graduates move on to work as senators, representatives, and sometimes even become the president. They can also get involved in politics by either writing or advising public policy. This makes sense, considering political science graduates are well-informed and could talk your ear off on issues of employment, housing, agriculture, education, public finance…shall we go on?
Public Relations Specialist. There's a reason celebrities have their PR people on speed dial. When our less-than-perfect stars of America get caught being naughty, a PR person steps in to smooth things over. Public relations specialists ensure that customers, investors, and the general public are on-board with the decisions that companies and people of influence make. Often, PR specialists will write important speeches and press releases for touchy subjects (aka "scandals") to help maintain a positive public image of their client—and it's not like there's a shortage of scandals in politics, if you catch our drift. Hooray for job security.
Current unemployment of the major
7%Percentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
47%Stats obtained from this source.