BS in Political Science

[Hallard]

Well I spent the last 3 and a half years earning a degree in political science. I'm graduating in May and realize, maybe I don't want to go to law school? So what am I to do?

Here's the question then: What are some real career options for a graduate with a Poly Sci degree?

 

[Godwynn]

Campaign Manager?

 

[QuoVadisNation]

Talk to your advisor? Go into teaching? Graduate school?

 

[Perfection]

I knew a guy with a poly sci degree who processed mortgages.

Processing mortgages is pretty boring.

 

[Integral]

It depends largely on your experiences.

If you've done any independent research, and enjoyed it, talk with your advisor about graduate school.

Teaching is always an option, if that's what you like to do. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for teaching secondary school, if I recall correctly...

If you have some internship experiences, use those to your advantage. Congress always needs staffers, the campaigns need people, and the state and local governments could use consultants, advisors, and managers. The government is a big place; if that's where you want to go, there's certainly a spot for you somewhere. A few people around here have done work in political campaigns; they can help you better than I can.

All IMO, of course. Take it with a large grain of salt.

-Integral

 

[The Yankee]

I've done the campaign thing (thankfully never moved and stayed at my Organizer spot), but if you really want to make it more of a longer-term project, you'll probably have to move around quite a bit. I suppose it wouldn't be that bad if you were higher up on the chain, but just being a Regional Field Director and doing that may not be the life for you.

That said, I don't know how well I'd do with a Finance degree when my experience has been mostly political.

 

[LightFang]

Well, you know what they say. That BS degree is really BS.

=O

 

[North King]

Congressional staffer or a government agency like the State Department is the way to go.

 

[downtown]

I'm almost done with my BS in Political Science. My thoughts:

*Working in Politics: If you're smart, you've been doing some internships, or building that resume through college. A 20 something with some drive right out of college can snag a decent campaign type job locally or statewide. The good news is, advancement is quick. Turnover for these jobs is really high, because entry level pay sucks, there's a lot of pressure, and you work long hours.

*Teaching-will requite you go back to get a masters, or go into a private school, where you won't make any money.

*Graduate School. If you're done research, like research, or like writing papers, then this is an option. With a Grad degree, you can work in a think tank, or do public administration

*Go into business.

*Start a Company

*Get your lobbying license.

Conclusion: If you want to make money, you're going to need another degree.

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

I feel your pain. I basically chose my degrees based on lack of usefulness, so right now I am aiming for Political Science and English. I am extremely nervous about future job prospects, considering I don't want to go into law or teaching.

 

[Babbler]

There is a lot BS in poli sci.

Why the hell do you have Bachelor of Science in Political Science?

 

[Godwynn]

I feel your pain. I basically chose my degrees based on lack of usefulness, so right now I am aiming for Political Science and English. I am extremely nervous about future job prospects, considering I don't want to go into law or teaching.

Ouch!

The message you have entered is too short.

 

[downtown]

I feel your pain. I basically chose my degrees based on lack of usefulness, so right now I am aiming for Political Science and English. I am extremely nervous about future job prospects, considering I don't want to go into law or teaching.

Then you should be great at writing, and researching...two highly markable skills for lots of different jobs.

 

[GoodEnoughForMe]

Ouch!

The message you have entered is too short.

Yeah, that's why I am getting on the school newspaper and radio this year (and plan to be on them every year), that way I have some background in communications and journalism if needed.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

Teach it somewhere.

 

[IglooDame]

There is a lot BS in poli sci.

Why the hell do you have Bachelor of Science in Political Science?

I think it depends on the base prerequisites of the school he's at. My Political Science degree is a Bach of Science - USNA doesn't have B of A's, I think because there are Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, and a few other courses that are required of all graduates.

Anyway, I drove ships for the Navy for a while, then got out and started a career as an IT network engineer, if that helps you any. The most mileage I have ever gotten from my major is probably just discussing politics here on CFC. Having a four-year Bach of Science degree has been very useful on the resume, though.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Well, I got a BA in history and I didn't want to go into teaching or law either. So a year and a half later and I still haven't had a job that requires that nice, shiny, massively expensive degree I got, nor have I figured out what the heck I am going to do with it. I want to go to grad school for something, I just don't know what.

 

[Mise]

You can do a lot of things... All a degree is is a piece of paper that says "I'm not stupid". Employers dig that.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

"A lot of things" doesn't pay the rent. I need to figure out specifics. And preferably something I don't hate.

 

[Mise]

"A lot of things" doesn't pay the rent. I need to figure out specifics. And preferably something I don't hate.

Well, you must have at least a vague idea? Have you tried talking to people who did History (or more generally arts) degrees and asking what they've done?

I was (am) kinda in the same position, having done a Physics degree with absolutely no intention of becoming a "Physicist". It's scary, but knowing that I'm clever, and I'll probably do well no matter what I end up doing, it's also kinda fun.

And it's a shame, I think you'd make a pretty good teacher, FWIW.