Having a political science degree could be your best option for the future.
If you are wondering what jobs you can get with this degree; the truth is that there are a wide variety of career opportunities in this career.
This career is a surprising workable universe and with alternatives to consider.
Of course, it is worth studying for this career, do you know that you can have a multitude of job opportunities studying political science? We will tell you!
If you are in the process of deciding what to study or have you wondered what political scientists do?
Where do they work?
Today we are going to talk about political science, which is its objective function; the branches, what are the main branches, their importance and what to do after obtaining the degree in political science and to conclude job opportunities.
Table of Contents
What Is Political Science?
It is social science interested in the study of the theoretical and practical aspects of political systems, government, and the behavior of societies.
It focuses on studying the theoretical foundations of how politics is handled and applied in practice, to understand power relations, and how power is used in social spaces that can be a state, country, or worldwide.
Likewise, it is related and mixed with different sciences and in current studies, there is a varied range of sciences connected to it due to the politicization suffered by the different aspects of human life.
Furthermore, it is closely related to areas of law, economics, sociology, and ethics branches of science, politics, international studies; describes and explains how they develop in political aspects between different societies governed by fundamental principles.
His approach to the main objective is theoretical, qualitative, and variable study; using various tools common to this type of sciences, and he often resorts to on loan to other fields of knowledge such as economics, sociology, and psychology.
Its Branches
Political science has main branches, the most important of which are the following:
- International Politics: it is the descriptive and explanatory study of the political dynamics that take place between different nations.
- Comparative Politics: it is the comparative study of the forms, institutions, histories, and characteristics of different organized societies.
- Political theory: it is the abstract theoretical study of the dynamics of power based on its fundamental principles.
- Public Administration: public administration comprises all the necessary theoretical foundations that politicians should know for better use of state assets under the doctrine of the government that is in power in the political economy.
- Political Economy: political economy assesses the impact of the economy and its processes on the way of operating politics and vice versa, how political decisions influence the development of the economy and sociology.
- Political Sociology: what is the way in which the cultural, psychological, and social constitution of communities is related to the forms of power and domination that they choose to organize themselves
Profile of the Graduate In Political Science
Political science is a university degree, which holds positions of power in the state, only politicians or political officials.
They are in the capacity to analyze political processes; they are also capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating the public policies that are in force, they can act as research consultants and teachers in that area.
The bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration has the objective of analyzing national and international political communications and the effectiveness or failure of public projects.
Students obtain advanced and specialized knowledge about the management and organization of the public sector in order to train them to practice their profession in public and private entities.
They design proposals for social and economic intervention within the framework of laws and regulations.
Plan financial strategies that make the allocation and use of public resources more efficient.
Manage institutional crises and develop leadership and communication skills within the framework of public administration.
Role of a Political Scientist in His Professional Career
The action of the political scientist in society is fundamental since it guides society in the decision-making process regarding its integral development, accentuating the progressive and democratic humanist spirit.
They are capable of analyzing political events or actions, such as giving opinions and advising on viable strategies for better management or administration of resources.
Surely you have seen an interview with a political scientist who gives his point of view in relation to the political situation in his nation; giving possible solutions to the problems that exist from his point of view and as an expert in this matter.
A political scientist is interested in knowing what each citizen thinks or thinks about how political processes are being carried out, conducting surveys, and collecting such information.
From there they deduce and analyze the information to understand the acceptance or rejection of the political actions of their region.
Another main function of a political scientist is to put together a political project; where they propose the strategies and actions that they will carry out to meet the objectives.
Another of the activities that a political scientist employs, when the votes approach, the candidates to occupy political positions observe the process.
In this situation; they will be able to analyze aspects related to the electoral campaign, the transparency of the electoral process, political parties, and priority problems.
What Jobs Can You Apply for After Studying Political Science?
The main career options for political science students include more than working for the government or becoming a teacher. But let’s see the ones with the best rating today worldwide:
Economist
They spend their days conducting qualitative and quantitative research for organizations in an attempt to solve economic problems, or better understand the function of the economy.
The government can formulate policy proposals; while an economist working for a private corporation can help the company understand how the economy can affect its business or develop strategies that improve its performance.
Advancement in the field requires a master’s or doctorate degree, but there are entry-level positions available for candidates with only one common entry-level degree – a bachelor’s degree.
Political Analyst
Students in political science programs learn to analyze political and public policy issues in-depth; weigh the advantages and disadvantages on both sides, and advocate for the best evidence-based policy solution available.
They work as public policy analysts for government agencies, members of Congress, state legislatures, government executives, and political research organizations.
Political analysts use quantitative and qualitative research and analysis methods to study issues of public concern and consider different policy alternatives for solving problems.
Institute Teacher
After earning a bachelor’s degree, those who aspire to teach in high schools must complete an internship in a school classroom, pass the state teacher exam, and receive a teaching certificate/license.
If you’re determined to be a teacher, the best advice would be to be an education specialist; but if you’re still not sure what you want to do, a political science degree could help you land a job teaching government and/or history.
As long as your degree is in a field related to the classes you aspire to teach, you will be fine. Common Entry Level Degree: Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Certificate.
Legislative Assistant
Political science graduates interested in the legislative process can find jobs as aides or assistants to state legislators or members of Congress.
Legislative assistants assist with electoral matters, they study proposed legislation, assist with voter correspondence, and handle many other clerical duties.
For those graduates seeking political careers of their own, working as a legislative aide offers the opportunity to gain experience and build a network of contacts.
Journalists, Reporters, Print and Online Commentators
A political science degree gives a student the knowledge of governmental and political processes necessary to make insightful and intelligent commentary on public affairs.
Additionally, political science study programs emphasize developing effective writing skills, a highly valuable skill for any journalist.
Public Relations Representatives
Public relations representatives work in corporate and nonprofit settings to help their organizations maintain good relationships with the media, the public, and the government.
Their responsibilities include staying abreast of legislative changes and defending their organizations’ points of view on proposed laws and regulations.
The skills for this job are matched to those gained during a career study in political science.
Lawyer
A political science degree provides excellent preparation for the three years it takes in law school to become a lawyer.
Political science study programs include courses in constitutional law and the judicial process, allowing interested students to study the law and later work as a lawyer.
Attorneys find employment in corporate law departments, law firms, and government agencies.
Political Poll Investigator
There is a high demand for all kinds of data on voting trends, demographics, political opinions, and more; The survey researchers are responsible for developing methods to collect this data.
While a political science degree can help survey researchers analyze and process information, additional education in statistics or mathematics may be necessary to obtain employment. Common entry-level degree: Master’s Degree.
Conclusion
These are just some of the job opportunities that await you; where you can practice as a professional in political and public institutions, performing official functions for a public entity, among which are governmental and representative tasks.
You can also practice in organizations and political parties at the international, European, national, regional, and local levels.
In many cases, in order to access these sectors, it is necessary to have approved competitions; such as those for access to the superior body of civil administrators of the state, the diplomatic corps, the European Union, or judicial examinations.
By having a political science degree you will be able to practice in various fields and access diverse and very interesting professional exercises.
