A political science degree opens up a variety of employment options, and not all graduates go into law. While law school is a typical destination, people who prefer to utilize their political knowledge in other ways have a plethora of options. In this blog, we’ll look at various career paths for political science students who want to branch out while gaining insights into organizations where they may make a difference. Here are some possible careers for political science grads:
- PUBLIC POLICY ANALYST
By offering data-driven insights, conducting research, and analyzing the efficacy of current programs, public policy analysts play an important role in influencing and enhancing government policies. They collaborate across industries and organizations to educate decision-makers and drive positive change.
Potential Job Organizations:
- The Brookings Institution– The Brookings Institution is one of the country’s oldest and most renowned think tanks. It is a non-profit organization that conducts in-depth studies on a wide range of public policy topics, including economics, foreign policy, governance, and social welfare.
- RAND Corporation– RAND is a non-profit research organization noted for its multidisciplinary approach to public policy analysis. RAND was founded in the aftermath of WWII to solve difficult challenges, frequently at the crossroads of policy, technology, and security.
- Pew Research Center– Pew Research Center is a non-partisan, non-profit institution that conducts public opinion polls and social scientific research. While it is not a standard think tank, it contributes significantly to public policy research by offering data and insights on public opinions, trends, and demographics. Pew’s public policy analysts conduct surveys, analyze data, and write reports on a variety of themes, including politics, religion, and social issues.
- CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Campaign managers are key figures in the world of politics, responsible for strategizing, organizing, and executing political campaigns. They leverage their knowledge of political science, voter behavior, and public sentiment to lead campaigns toward success.
Potential Job Organizations:
- Political consulting firms: Political consulting firms are specialist organizations that offer a variety of services to political candidates, political parties, and advocacy groups. These businesses’ campaign managers collaborate closely with their customers to develop a complete campaign strategy.
- Campaign offices of political candidates– Campaign managers at political candidates’ campaign offices are in charge of handling the day-to-day activities of the campaign. They work with the candidate, campaign staff, and volunteers to create campaign objectives, messages, and outreach methods. They oversee campaign events and fundraising activities, as well as field operations such as canvassing and phone banking.
- DIPLOMAT/FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER
Diplomats and Foreign Service Officers are government personnel who represent their country on a global scale. They are in charge of carrying out diplomatic missions, negotiating with foreign governments, and promoting their country’s interests and foreign policy goals.
Potential Job Organizations:
- United Nations– The United Nations (UN) is an international organization devoted to tackling global issues, fostering peace, and encouraging collaboration among member countries. Diplomats negotiate, serve on UN committees, and advocate for their countries’ stance on a variety of global topics, such as climate change, humanitarian relief, and international development.
- International NGOs– International non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are non-profit organizations that operate on a worldwide scale, frequently in fields such as humanitarian aid, human rights advocacy, and development work. Diplomats and Foreign Service Officers may collaborate on projects and activities that accord with their country’s foreign policy aims with international NGOs.
- LOBBYIST
Professionals known as lobbyists seek to sway politicians’ and officials’ choices on behalf of certain interests, groups, or causes. To influence legislation, laws, and governmental policies, they engage in lobbying work, public relations, and strategic communication.
Potential Job Organizations:
- American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC)– The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) is a trade association that unites people and businesses engaged in political advocacy and consulting. AAPC-affiliated lobbyists frequently focus on offering companies, nonprofit organizations, and interest groups strategic guidance, campaign management, and advocacy services.
- Sierra Club– The Sierra Club is a well-known environmental advocacy group that deploys lobbyists to advance environmental and conservation objectives. Sierra Club lobbyists push for policies relating to climate change mitigation, sustainable energy, wildlife preservation, and environmental laws.
A political science major can unlock a world of meaningful careers outside of law school. Embrace your passion for politics, and you’ll discover a wealth of opportunities to effect positive change in the world, working with organizations dedicated to your chosen cause. Discuss potential opportunities with your professors, reach out to your network, or find a mentor on Mentor Match at the Fleishman Center! On the Government, Policy, and Law Career Cluster page, there are plenty of resources to help make connections and help your professional future! To make an appointment with Fleishman, use this link! We can help you with your professional development!
