Other Employment Track

Political Science is a classic “liberal arts” degree that emphasizes reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. These skills are attractive to many prospective employers. Recent graduates have found full-time employment in areas such as financial services, insurance, and retail management. Extra-curricular activities, including internships, can demonstrate to prospective employers that you have leadership skills, professional training, or a strong work ethic.

First and Second Years

• Complete as many of the Political Science required foundation courses as possible.
• Introduce yourself to the department chair (Erik Trump).
• Introduce yourself to the director of the Center for Public Policy and Service (John Kaczynski). Avail yourself of opportunities to use CPPS activities to develop your resume.
• Join some student organizations. John Kaczynski can help you identify groups that would reflect your interests. These could include the College Democrats, the College Republicans, Model United Nations, the Student Association, and a host of others.
• Prepare a resume. Work with a faculty advisor (Mark Nicol is an excellent choice) to give it a professional look. Make a plan for how you can develop it.
• Develop a network of friends and contacts. Be social!

Third Year

• Consider a study abroad experience, or participate in one of the department’s travel opportunities.
• Get a “graduation audit” from the Advising Office and meet with the Political Science department chair to make sure that you can graduate on time (late fall).
• Complete an internship with a local, state, or federal elected representative (may do in spring or summer).
• Start to haunt the Career Planning and Placement office. Familiarize yourself with employment listings. Attend any workshops that will polish your interviewing skills.
• Attend the Career Planning and Placement job fair (fall or winter).
• Speak with faculty advisors about minors that might support your post-graduation plans.

Fourth Year

• Develop a professional wardrobe for interviewing.
• Attend the Career Planning and Placement job fairs (fall and winter).
• Ask professors or other professionals if you may list them as references on your resume.
• Use the department’s alumni network to locate job leads.
• Apply for graduation (at the Registrar’s Office) in the fall semester.