Careers in Political Science

Preparing for a Career
"If you do not think about the future, you cannot have one." --John Galsworthy

College graduates in the 1990s should try to plan their educational experiences so as to maximize the opportunities for having a career that will be personally satisfying. To this end, the student should think of the educational process not only from a standpoint of psychological and intellectual enrichment, but also in terms of its potential for increasing available job options.

The first point to be made is that a solid grounding in mathematics and statistics along with experience in computer technology increase a student's value as a prospective employee. An increasing number of college graduates are being hired each year for careers that center upon the analysis of social, political, and economic data that can be or has been quantified. Computer technology makes possible complex analysis of these data. Thus, the mastery of computer utilization techniques leads to careers in the private sector or government. To prepare for these careers, political science major would do well to take some courses in statistics and methods of data analysis. Many political science programs include such courses and the faculty in political science departments can also advise students about courses in this subject offered by other departments in the college. Anyone whose professional life will extend into the twenty-first century must be aware that more and more jobs will require computer utilization skills.

Second, anyone who seeks a good job in the next decade has a vested interest in mastering the English language, both written and spoken. A highly industrialized complex society requires facility with language -- it is building block for all that we do. The ability to write and speak concisely and clearly will always be highly valued..

Third, it is to the advantage of the college graduate seeking admission to professional schools or employment in the private sector to have had an internship experience as part of his or her education. An internship with government, in journalism, with a private or public interest group or a law firm gives a student both practical experience and an opportunity to explore a prospective career.*

What Do Political Science Graduates Do?

Political science majors, like those in other disciplines, often ask us what can I do with a degree in political science. A answer can be found by looking at former graduates who went on to careers in various fields.

Careers of Recent Graduates of Political Science at UNL

Career	Percentage
Practicing law	14%
Currently in law school	14%
Employed in business	26%
Employed in government	10%
In school other than law	12%
Self-employed	3%
Employed in non-profit sector	6%
Other	12%

A number of of graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in:

Degree	Percentage
Law	14%
Political science	6%
Public/business administration	3%
Other	8%
Enrolled in advanced degree program	39%

Recommendations From Former Political Science Graduates to Current Undergraduates

Nearly all who participated in an internship recommended one. Others suggested a second major, preferably something to enhance one's attractiveness on the job market. Many recommended courses providing analytical and research skills. Others suggested courses emphasizing writing skills. Some offered the need to develop critical and analytical thinking.

*Excerpted from Careers and the Study of Political Science : a Guide for Undergraduates, Mary H. Curzan, editor.