POLITICAL SCIENCE and GOVERNMENT What Can I Do with This Major?

POLITICAL SCIENCE and GOVERNMENT What can I do with this major?

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT Public Policy Counties Research your local and/or state government. Urban Planning Cities Employment opportunities in local government tend City or Town Management Municipalities to follow population trends in terms of availability Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services Townships of positions. Check statistics on growing commu- Program Administration School districts nities to ﬁ nd the most opportunities. Be prepared General Services Departments of state government to relocate. Community Aﬀ airs Legislative agencies Develop a network of contacts through referrals and Social Services Court systems informational interviews. Law Enforcement School districts Conduct research, e.g. education, homelessness, etc. that could be useful to your community. Get involved in civic organizations and events. Complete an internship in a government agency. Participate in local or national election campaigns. Familiarize self with government application process. Considering earning a graduate degree in public administration (MPA) or public policy (MPP).

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Public Policy There are over 170 federal departments and Take courses or minor in applicable interest area(s). Research agencies. See http://gogovernment.org/ Seek leadership roles in relevant campus organiza- Intelligence tions such as model United Nations, student Foreign Service government, and cross-cultural organizations. Law Enforcement Write for campus publications focused on national General Services and international aff airs. Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services Develop skills in computers, statistics, and data Program Administration analysis. Acquire foreign language competency and travel experience for international positions. There are a large number of specialized agencies within the federal government. Do extensive research in order to fi nd the area that best fi ts your interests. Become familiar with the government application process. Utilize applicable websites and seek assistance from your college career center. (Political Science, Page 2)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTINUED Obtain an internship in a federal agency or department. Participate in national campaigns. Conduct informational interviews with government employees. Build a strong personal network. LAW See also What Can I Do With This Major in Law? Law fi rms Develop strong research skills and attention to detail. Prosecution Federal, state, and local government Participate in debate teams to hone communication Defense Private practice skills. Contractual Corporations Choose courses or a minor to specialize in a par- Corporate Special interest groups ticular area of law, e.g. a minor in business for a Nonprofi t or Public Interest Universities and colleges career in corporate law. Government Legal aid societies Gain practical experience through an internship, Mediation Nonprofi t and public interest organizations, e.g. part-time job or summer work in a law fi rm. Law Assistance ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Legal Shadow an attorney to learn more about the fi eld Lobbying Services Corporation and various specialties. Other Specialties Legal clinics Get involved in pre-law organizations. Other private legal services Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree (JD). Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations. Prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test). Obtain specialized certifi cation for paralegal positions. POLITICS Elected or Appointed Leadership Legislative, executive, or judicial offi cials Volunteer for national, state, or local campaigns. Campaign Management National, state, or local government Be prepared to begin a political career as a volun- Staff Administration Political action committees teer before moving to paid positions. Special Interest Advocacy Political parties Many elected public offi cials begin careers in other Political Advising Campaigns: national, state, or local fi elds (law, medicine, business) before cam- Lobbying Industrial, educational, and public interest groups paigning for offi ce. Public Policy Lobbying organizations Gain experience through internships with govern- Public Relations Large business fi rms ment agencies, lobbying fi rms, or legislatures. Community Organizing Polling and consulting fi rms Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations. Government Relations Advocacy organizations Become involved in campus political groups, student government, publications, or community service projects. Take courses in statistics, economics, public policy, or other specifi c interest areas. (Political Science, Page 3)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

POLITICS CONTINUED 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. INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS See also What Can I Do With This Major in Global Intergovernmental agencies, e.g. World Bank, Earn a double major or minor in order to gain addi- Studies? United Nations, etc. tional skills or knowledge, e.g. Africana studies, Governance National governments Asian studies, business, psychology. Policy Making and Analysis Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Spend time studying or working abroad. Make and Public Sector Reform Non-profi t agencies maintain contacts in foreign countries. Poverty-Reduction Strategy Religious organizations Seek cultural experiences on campus and get in- Ethics and Anti-Corruption Foundations volved with the international student population. Human Rights Policy and research organizations Obtain internships or volunteer to gain experience Public Law Private businesses in areas of interest. Organization and Management Development Contracting and consulting fi rms Participate in overseas mission trips or spend a Resource Development Research institutes Semester at Sea. Public-Private Partnerships Defense contractors Research the history and culture of interest areas. Media/Communication Policy and Practice Federal government including: Become profi cient in at least one foreign language. Department of State Learn about international travel regulations and Department of Agriculture take steps towards obtaining work or study Department of Commerce visas for various locations. Department of Defense Earn a relevant graduate degree in international National Security Council aff airs, foreign policy, or other speciality areas. Consider entering the Peace Corps. BUSINESS Sales Product and service organizations Develop strong analytical, verbal, writing, and lead- Human Resources Retail stores ership skills. Management Hotels Earn a minor/double major in business or supple- Public Relations Restaurants ment curriculum with business courses. Market Research Manufacturers Gain relevent experience in an area of interest Customer Service Insurance companies through internships or other employment. Marketing Print and electronic media Obtain leadership roles in campus organizations. Advertising Consulting fi rms Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills. Product Design Other business corporations Hone computer skills and learn software packages Real Estate Financial institutions such as databases, spreadsheets and presenta- Real estate companies tions. Property mangement fi rms Become knowledgeable about corporate social responsibility. (Political Science, Page 4)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

NONPROFIT Administration Local and national nonprofi t agencies Gain practical experience by volunteering or com- Management Foundations pleting an internship with a nonproft organiza- Public Relations Charitable organizations tion of interest. Fund Raising/Development Trade or professional associations Earn a minor or supplement curriculum with courses Policy Analysis Special interest groups in business, psychology, or social work. Research Labor unions Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus and Grant Writing Libraries community organizations. Direct Service Museums Develop strong communication and research skills. Advocacy Historic sites/historical societies Learn grant writing skills. Volunteer Coordination Research organizations and think tanks Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a Educational institutions specialty area, e.g. public health, environment, urban issues. Research organizations' values to fi nd a good for you. It is critical that you are knowledgeable and committed to the work you're going to do. Investigate term of service or service corps positions as a way to gain entry into the fi eld, e.g. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, VISTA. Consider earning a graduate degree for more job opportunities and advancement.

MEDIA Editing Newspapers: national, local, or trade Obtain an internship or work experience with a Reporting Wire services newspaper, magazine, radio station, or televi- Circulation Magazines sion station. Sales Internet sites Become proﬁ cient in desktop publishing and Publishing Large corporations photography. Electronic Media Political parties Develop a professional network and become aware Public Relations Political action committees of various social medias. News Programming Professional publications/associations Learn HTML and other computer programs to pre- Production Labor unions pare for online work. Academic journals Develop excellent verbal and written communication Broadcast media companies including television, skills through communications courses or other radio, and the movie industry writing intensive coursework. Major networks Join the college newspaper, yearbook, or other Public, cable, and private television stations publication staﬀ . National, state, or regional radio networks Become a student member of professional associa- Independent radio syndications tions. Video production companies Create a portfolio of published writing samples. Government agencies (Political Science, Page 5)

AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES

MEDIA CONTINUED 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.

EDUCATION Elementary K-12 schools, public and private Complete a teacher preparation program to teach in Middle Boards of education the public school system. Secondary Four-year colleges and universities Obtain teaching certifi cate/license for desired Administration Two-year and community colleges subject area and/or grade level. Requirements Higher Education: Technical schools for certifi cation/licensure vary by state. Seek Teaching Medical and professional schools multiple certifi cations to increase employability. Research Private schools may not require certifi cation or licen- Administration sure but may prefer candidates with graduate Student Aff airs degrees in subject areas. Information/Library Services Seek experiences with youth through summer jobs at camps or other community organizations. A doctoral degree is required to teach and research at four-year institutions or to enter the highest levels of university administration. A master's or Ph.D. degree is required to teach at two-year schools. Earn a master's degree in student personnel, student development, counseling, or library/ information sciences for student aff airs and librarian positions. Gain related experience on campus through student leadership opportunities such as Peer Mentors, Resident Assistants, or Orientation Leaders. (Political Science, Page 6)

GENERAL INFORMATION • An undergraduate degree in political science is good preparation for graduate or professional study in areas such as political science, public administration, foreign policy, law, business, and more. Carefully research programs in order to choose specializations or concentrations of interest. • Maintain a high grade point average to ensure admission into a graduate or law program and/or a position within the government. • Expect keen competition for federal positions. Prepare yourself with a strong academic background and good experience. Many government jobs have strict guidelines and want to carefully match candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities to the job description. Research this ﬁ rst and seek the classes and experiences that will best prepare you. • Explore application to Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) and the Outstanding Scholar Program for federal positions. • Develop strong leadership skills; run for oﬃ ce in clubs and organizations in school or community. Volunteer to organize or lead an event or project. • Join related social and/or professional organizations. • Build a strong personal network through informal contacts. • Consider military experience and training as an entryway into government jobs and public service. The Peace Corps is also a good way to enter a career in government.