Anyone with a strong interest in government, law, and politics should consider studying political science. This useful and pliable degree can provide a thorough introduction for further studies, like legal professionals who go on to pursue law degrees. Majoring in political science can also prepare professional lobbyists or campaign strategists for their careers.
If you’re wondering “What can I do with a political science degree?”, there are ample options at your fingertips. Check out some of our favorite jobs for political science majors:
1. Lobbyist
Lobbyists advocate on the behalf of special interest groups by communicating and influencing policy-makers. Being able to understand policy and communicate with both lawmakers and their clients is vital for a successful lobbyist, which is why a degree in political science is crucial. So, if you're wondering how to become a lobbyist after achieving your political science degree, consider doing an internship in politics and government to help get you key, practical skills so you can get your foot in the door.
2. Journalist
Most journalists who cover local or national politics have some sort of background in political science. With a political science degree, a journalist can better analyze legislation affecting their communities and speak with more authority as they hold lawmakers accountable. This is especially crucial if you're looking to be a political journalist, and you can gain more experience in this area after earning your degree by trying your hand at a journalism internship abroad to give yourself a wider, more global view of the career field.
3. Politician
Making laws and levying taxes on a local, regional, or national level is generally the job of a politician. Lawmakers must balance the interests of their constituents, donors, and special interest groups to enact effective policy and stay elected. A political science degree is a good start to becoming an educated and informed politician and can be further bolstered with the hands-on experience afforded as a politics intern abroad. As a politician, not only will you need to concentrate on your local area, but you'll also need to keep an eye on what's happening elsewhere.
4. Lawyer
Many lawyers study political science before law school as an introduction to the US legal system. Legal professionals who focus on how legislation is enforced on a regional and community level will find a political science degree especially useful. If you're keen to go into law after earning your degree, we recommend applying for a law internship to ensure you stand out from the crowd with real-life experience overseas before you start law school or when applying for full time roles.
5. Activist/Community Organizer
Although a political science degree isn’t necessary to become an activist, it can help as you work to get your message across and advocate for change. Activists work with communities to join together to change some aspects of society. This can be done through protests, meeting with community leaders, raising money, giving speeches, and writing letters. Having a degree in political science can give credence and weight to your passions and suggestions for change.
6. Legislative assistant
Lawmakers depend on legislative assistants to help them make educated decisions. Legislative assistants use their knowledge of public policy and political science as they read proposed legislation and write briefs that articulate a policymaker’s official position. If this sounds like the kind of career you want to use your degree for, you can do an internship in law or politics to further boost your skillset to make you more desirable for recruiters in the future.
7. Political campaign worker
Whether you’re running a political campaign or going door-to-door to drum up support, a political science degree is crucial for anybody involved in advocating for an elected official. Political campaign staff need to understand how voters perceive their candidate and what they can do to improve their candidate’s image, which is why a political science degree will put you in a good position for entering this career field.
8. Teacher
Educating the next generation on how government works is vital to a healthy democracy. An educated public will vote for lawmakers that are more likely to advocate for their well-being. As a government teacher or political science professor, you’ll play an important role in fostering civic responsibility among young people, and maybe even inspire a future generation of politicians and lawmakers!
