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
We Build Success
Career Services
i UW-River Falls i 24 East Hathorn i 715-425-3572
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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
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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
We Build Success
Career Services
i UW-River Falls i 24 East Hathorn i 715-425-3572
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)
We Build Success
Career Services
i UW-River Falls i 24 East Hathorn i 715-425-3572
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.
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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
(www.uwrf.edu/ccs)
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People Resources:
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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
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Obtain Direct Experience:
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Job Shadowing
Volunteer or part-time work
Internships are essential! Talk with your departmental faculty coordinator for
internship information.
We Build Success
Career Services
i UW-River Falls i 24 East Hathorn i 715-425-3572
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:
www.apsanet.org- the American Political Science Association Online
www.iapss.org- International Association for Political Science Students
We Build Success
Career Services
i UW-River Falls i 24 East Hathorn i 715-425-3572