A&S Careers, PoliSci

CAREER OPTIONS FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS

For those students with a background in the study of political conflict and change as well as in U.S. and foreign political parties, interest groups, governing bodies such as legislatures, bureaucracies, or court systems, there is a plethora of career opportunities awaiting. The political knowledge combined with the transferable skills of a liberal arts major prepares an individual for many positions such as those which follow.

[It must be noted that some jobs are more related to the major than others, and some require education beyond a bachelor’s degree. It is also important to note that a related internship while in school is invaluable.]

POSSIBLE EMPLOYERS

Air, Bus, and Rail Lines
Archives
Banks, Savings/Commercial
Business Corporations
Chambers of Commerce
Colleges and Schools
Educational Institutions
Film Companies
Foundations, Non-Profit
Government Agencies
Civil Rights Commission
Consumer Affairs Office
Education Department
Environmental Protection Agency
Federal Communications Agency
Foreign Service Department
Health & Human Services Dept.
International Trade Commission

Justice Department
Labor Department
Library of Congress
National Archives
Social Security Administration
Vista
Historical Societies
Industries, Manufacturing
Insurance Companies
Investment Firms
Libraries
Magazines and Newspapers
Museums
National and State Parks
Professional Periodicals
Public-Relations Firms
Publishing Companies
Radio-Television Stations

POSSIBLE POSITIONS

Account Executive
Account Service Representative
Advocate
Arbitrator:

One who decides disputes/binds both labor and management to specific terms/conditions of labor contracts. Study dispute/conflict resolution = +.

Archivist:

Professional who appraises/edits permanent records/historically valuable documents. Classes in archival documentation or an internship = +.

Association Manager
Attorney/Legal Assist./Paralegal
Benefits Manager:

Plans/directs implementation and administration of benefits programs designed to insure employees against loss of income due to illness, injury, layoff, or retirement. HR classes or internship = +.
Bibliographer

Biographer
Broadcast Journalist/Print Journalist
Business-to-Business Selling:

Salesperson who sells to purchasing managers or similar executives such products as raw materials, factory machines, office computers, business services.

Business Development Officer
Buyer:

Professional purchaser of merchandise or commodities for resale. Inspects, selects, orders, authorizes payment for, and prices items for resale.

Campaign Worker:

Planning, fund-raising, research, writing issue statements, canvassing, and assessing voter attitudes.

Chamber of Commerce Manager
City Manager
Compensation Manager
Community Relations Director
Congressional Aide
Consultant
Consumer Advocate
Diplomat-Foreign Service Officer
Editor
Environmental Policy Analyst
FBI/CIA Agent:

Criminal investigator of alleged or suspected criminal violation of Federal laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.

Financial Planner
Foreign News Correspondent
Foreign Service Officer
Geographer
Government Intelligence Analyst:

Research/analyze diversity of geopolitical issues on behalf of government in FBI/CIA, NSA, military.

Human Resource Manager
Historic Preservationist
Historic Site Interpreter
Insurance Agent
Investor Relations Manager
International Banker
International Business Specialist
Judge
Labor Organizer
Labor Relations Specialist
Law Enforcement Officer
Loan Officer

Lobbyist:

Public Relations specialist. Contacts/ meets members of legislature and other public officials to persuade them to support laws favorable to their client’s interest. Internship most helpful.

Management/Market
Research/Media Analyst
Newspaper/Magazine Journalist
Peace Corps/Vista
Probation/Parole Officer
Public Administrator/Manager
Public Opinion Interviewer
Radio/TV Announcer/Producer
Researcher
Social Services Administrator/Worker
Stockbroker
Teacher
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Urban/Regional Planner:
Professional city planner who develops comprehensive plans/programs for utilization of the land and physical facilities of cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. Urban planning classes, internship essential.

Wire Editor:

Editor who distributes news and photographs to newspapers, radio and television stations, and news magazines by pulling copy from a computer screen, editing it, and routing copy to clients. Must have English and/or journalism classes to complement political science degree, and again, and internship is VERY helpful to gain entry into this competitive area.

Writer/Author