A degree in political science helps you analyze and understand the world around you. However, it doesn’t lead to specific jobs like medical or nursing degrees. This can be very positive for someone who doesn’t know where they want to go but it can also be very uncertain at the same time.
What should you do with your political science degree?
Here’s a list of jobs that could interest you and that are accessible with a political degree.
Contents
- Diplomacy
- Politics
- Government
- Activism/Non-profit
- Journalism
- Academics
- Analyst Private Firm
- Lobbying
Diplomacy
This is usually what every student dreams of when they start their political science degree. It’s very in demand, and so hard to get.
The way to start working in diplomacy differs from country to country. However, there should be a specific department to apply to.
It’s a very hierarchical job and you cannot choose where you will be transferred. Becoming an ambassador is the work of a lifetime!
Global Affairs Canada is an entry point to becoming a diplomat in Canada. You work as a government official for a few years before applying for a diplomatic job.
You need to keep in mind that an ambassadorial position in a fashionable location, such as Paris, London, the United Nations headquarters, or Washington, is a more political position. It is therefore given to allies of the ruling political party.
Politics
Partisan politics is also a very popular career for political science students at the beginning of their degree.
Even though it is not required, having any type of degree will help you in your career. In traditional parties, the top position is widely given to university-educated people. But it doesn’t have to be a political science degree. Law, medical, or accounting degrees are very well-regarded by political parties much more than a political degree.
You should get involved in your party as soon as possible. For instance, volunteer during election sessions! Let yourself be known by the politician of your area.
Government
This is a more traditional path for students to take.
Since you have learned about the institution during university, you will understand more about how the government works. You can apply in most departments.
In Canada, they value students that take internships during their degree in government institutions and they usually offer them a job after it.
You can rise in the hierarchy. The conditions are great!
Working as a government official is also a valuable experience for private firms.
The only ick is that you’ll have to live in capitals which aren’t known to be very exciting cities (e.g.: Ottawa, Washington).
Activism/Non-profit
If you want to fight for a cause, working for a non-profit is the right choice for you. They often accept people from various backgrounds and a political degree will be well-regarded.
Don’t only think of smaller community-oriented organizations. Think of Greenpeace, WWF, or even the United Nations. There are different sizes of organizations.
This is a great way to feel like you’re making a change in the world and having a positive impact on your communities. You will be most likely surrounded by passionate people!
Journalism
Political science is great for journalism!
Most students think about taking a degree in communication to become a journalist. However, learning how to write will come with experience but understanding political institutions and processes is fundamental for that job. You will be able to bring something substantial to the table with your degree.
You can work in a newspaper, newscast, or news radio. Don’t forget regional newspapers! We often think only of the biggest names in the industry but there are many openings in smaller groups. Bigger doesn’t always mean better!
You need to be passionate to go into this industry since the world of journalism is harsh and cutthroat. The last few years have been quite difficult for the industry. Fortunately, it seems like a lot of newspapers are doing better.
Academics
If you love university and research, this is the field for you.
You probably already thought of it since you see professors every day. Yet, do you know what their regular job is? Teaching is a small part of their workload. Some don’t even like teaching and become professors only for research. As a professor, you need to bring notoriety to your university. This can be done by publishing well-received research, being in the newspaper as an expert, or organizing academic events. This explains the pressure they have. But research is still their main task.
The academic world is tough and unsure. Even if you have a Ph.D., you won’t necessarily ever become a professor since it is very competitive. It is a very hierarchical environment and you will work long hours.
Analyst Private Firm
Analyst is a career often forgotten.
Many private firms such as pharmaceuticals, investment banks, and insurance, want political analyst to keep them updated on new laws and their effects on their firms. More and more there are departments that analyze political risk. Geopolitical analysis is a growing field and it will continue to grow in importance.
The job resembles the one of a government official. It’s quite common to see them transfer to the private after a few years of experience.
There are many opportunities for advancement. In this case, combining a political and a business degree could be beneficial.
You can also go into consulting firms. The biggest ones are Pwc, KPMG, EY, and Deloitte. You can make a lot of money but you will have to work long hours. Keep in mind that there are different sizes and orientations of consulting firm. There are some in economic development, policy making, lobbying, communication, business, and many many more.
Lobbying
This is close to the private firm analyst even if it is not quite the same job. Here, you will have to represent your firm or association in front of the government. Defend their vision and interest.
This job often gets a bad reputation – if we think of Big Pharma – but it isn’t always true. Yes, you can work for multinationals but you can also represent smaller groups. You can work for a non-profit and represent a cause.
Remember that you are not limited to those 7 jobs. This only gives you a good idea of what you could do. A political science degree can be very well combined with another degree (master’s or else). A more practical degree like communication or business can be great for your profile. You can also choose to go all the way to the Ph.D. Whatever you choose, there is a great job waiting for you out there!
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