Career Development and Calling

Political Science

Capital

Political Science Dept. Home Page

A career in Political Science trains students to be observers of political behavior in our own country and around the world. Use your time at Bethel to observe politics on your own campus. Become involved in multiple leadership opportunities, find a mentor, and ask questions.

What is Your Focus?

Here's how to build skills as a Bethel student that will prepare you to compete for some of the most popular political science jobs today.

Government

Job Titles:
Policy Evaluator, Personnel Officer, Public Information Coordinator, City Manager, Public Opinion Expert, Customs Investigator, Intelligence Specialist

Potential Employers:
Government Agencies

Strategies:

  • Pursue graduate degree programs
  • Develop competency in one or more foreign languages
  • Obtain internships in government agencies
  • Join campus or local political organizations
  • Become familiar with government hiring procedures
  • Develop ability to work independently and in groups

Business

Job Titles:
Advertising, Management, Sales & Circulation, Marketing, Purchasing

Potential Employers:
Corporations, Non-Profit Organizations, Government Agencies

Strategies:

  • Consider a double major or minor in business
  • Secure internships in political and/or business settings
  • Gain an understanding of political environments in business
  • Develop strong oral, and written communication skills
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently and in groups

Law & Politics

Job Titles:
Politician, Campaign Planner, Lawyer, Legislative Aid

Potential Employers:
Political Campaigns, Government Agencies

Strategies:

  • Pursue graduate law programs
  • Obtain paralegal training
  • Obtain internships with law firms / public advocacy groups
  • Gain experience with oral and written persuasion
  • Serve internships with government agencies or officials
  • Join student or local political organizations
  • Participate in political campaigning; volunteer with public interest groups

Journalism

Job Titles:
Historical Journalist, Technical Writer

Potential Employers:
Educational Institutions, Non-Profit Organizations, Corporations, Newpapers and Periodicals, Publishig Companies

Strategies:

  • Consider a double major or minor in media fields
  • Gain experience working with Bethel radio and print media
  • Pursue internships with local media industries
  • Keep up-to-date on current events and hot topics
  • Learn about current trends and hot topics in politics/history
  • Pursue graduate degree

Education

Job Titles:
Political Science Teacher, Professor

Potential Employers:
Educational Institutions

Strategies:

  • Pursue graduate degree programs for best opportunities
  • Obtain teaching certification in your state
  • Volunteer with age group of choice
  • Seek part-time and summer employment in educational settings
  • Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills

Employment Web Sites

General Career Exploration Website - O*Net
Spotlight on Careers Website (You must be logged into the Bethel network to receive access to this site.)

For current employment websites, type keywords such as "political science employment" in an online search engine.

Professional Associations

Job Search Sites Specific to Your Major

Koch Associate Program - Provides a unique job opportunity in public policy. The aim is to develop the capabilities of each Associate through the program by providing management training, professional development, and the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their career potential.

Robert Half Legal - provides temporary and full time staffing.

State of Minnesota Career Opportunities - Everything you need to know about working for the state, including available jobs, resume building services, applications, and more.

USAJOBS -The Official site of the U.S. Federal Government

Internships

Institute for Experiential Learninghttp://wiidc.org/ - The Institute for Experiential Learning (IEL) provides academic internships through three programs: the Capital Experience, the Embassy and Diplomatic Scholars Internship Program, and the Foreign Policy Symposium.

Live, Learn, & Intern in DC - Part of Georgetown University, this program focuses on academic internships in politics, economics, business and political journalism.

Need More Information?

For more information or assistance with an internship, graduate school or the job search process, please set up an appointment with a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Development and Calling by calling 651.638.6460 or stopping by CC322.

Adapted From:
http://www2.gasou.edu/sta/career
http://careers.wcu.edu/majors