For job seekers who have recently graduated with a degree in political science, there are many possibilities for employment in politics at various levels of experience. Some jobs may require further education or training. Still, others are open to recent college graduates or people with minimal practical work experience.
Here are nine positions that will allow you to use your new degree in politics.
Average salary: $105,900 per year.
Directors of government affairs advocate for new or proposed laws while assisting businesses in understanding and adapting to legislation and government policies. In short, they oversee the interactions between companies and the government and often collaborate with local, state, and federal authorities.
Some of their duties may include:
Average salary: $48,000 per year.
Legislative assistants collaborate with elected representatives to help them enact legislation, and advance their political objectives. They manage communications and public relations for lawmakers, including preparing press releases. These professionals also interact with constituents, conduct research, interview citizens or authorities, and prepare briefings.
Their duties include:
Average salary: $67,600 per year.
Policy analysts conduct studies on proposed policies, providing arguments in favor of or against them, based on their analysis. They evaluate present or future issues, develop solutions, and assess new proposals. They also examine the potential effects of various proposed policies and make recommendations.
Average salary: $52,900 per year.
Paralegals play an essential part in the legal system by organizing files, researching, and creating documents for use in legal cases. They acquire information, gather facts, or organize data so attorneys can use it in legal disputes. A degree in political science can be helpful with any of these duties.
Average salary: $52,500 per year.
Political science professors instruct students on various political topics at the college and university levels. They may also conduct research in related fields, including gender studies, electoral reform, political economy, and conflict resolution.
Average salary: $59,700 per year.
Political campaign staffers assist political candidates in their bid to win elections. They are in charge of planning and carrying out numerous operations and strategies toward this end.
The duties of campaign staff may include:
Average salary: $98,700 per year.
Government organizations employ political analysts to evaluate data and draw conclusions through political research and analysis. Political ideology, policies, political trends, and international relations all come under their umbrella. Private corporations may also employ political analysts to work in their political relations divisions to oversee their interactions with the government.
Average salary: $122,500 per year.
Political scientists research the emergence, organization, and functioning of political movements and governments. They compile and research data from various sources to develop strategies, policies, and operational plans for various government departments.
Several typical duties include:
Average salary: $49,500 per year.
Intelligence analysts work for covert government intelligence agencies such as the National Security Agency and the CIA. They evaluate developments in unstable regions of the world and examine leadership patterns and popular support while researching specific areas that represent security risks. Intelligence analysts write reports with their findings and brief agency leaders as well as executive & legislative leaders.
