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Political Science
Political science is the study of governments -
their procedures and policies - and the political behavior of citizens and officials.
Governments might include nation states, international organizations or the sub-units
of government such as counties, states, provinces etc. Power and conflict are
frequent topics of study but so are the means used to make collective and policy
decisions such as elections and legislative voting. In studying these topics,
political scientists use philosophical, historical and legalistic and quantitative
methods.
Students of political science will develop the
ability to conceptualize, to think analytically, and to communicate effectively.
Thus, it provides good preparation for law school or administration, urban
affairs, and other social sciences. Frequent areas of employment following
graduation include teaching, public relations, government service at the
federal, state or local level, lobbying with interest groups or businesses,
policy research, journalism, and campaign work (polling, media relations
etc.). In addition, a large number of graduates go into business- marketing,
personnel, advertising, banking and finance. Another career avenue is with
non-profit agencies who are frequently the recipients of contract to perform
services funded by government. Relatively few students are hired as "political
scientist" since few jobs specifically call for this specialization. Graduates
with computer skills or training in a specialized policy area or policy
analysis in general are most likely to find government jobs. Students seeking
more information should contact Dr. Gretchen Bauer, Chair, 347 Smith Hall or 831-2355.
Sample Job Titles
| Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level |
Further Education/Experience
Often
Required |
| *lobbyist assistant or campaign assoc.
|
*labor relations
specialist |
| *paralegal |
*legislative
coordinator |
| *international business |
*public relations
officer |
| *legislative correspondent |
*political campaign
manager |
| *broadcast journalist |
*lawyer |
| *foreign service officer |
*political
representative |
| *staff assistant |
|
| *scheduling secretary |
|
Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 051 for additional
related careers.
Enhancing Employability
- Participate in Internships,
Field Experience Placements and Alumni
Mentor Program.
- Sample UD Field Experiences: Congressional
Management Association, Mayor's Office, City of Wilmington, U.S. Chamber of
Congress
Some Employers of Political Science Majors
*consulting firms
*state/federal government
*colleges/universities
*public/international affairs offices
*political parties
*private/public interest groups
*campaign management firms
*business and industry
*non-profit organizations
*newspapers
Other Sources of Information
Advocacy Jobs Search
www.execsearches.com/exec/
American Political Science Association
www.apsanet.org
American Society for Public Administration
www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/index.cfm
Cato (Think Tank)
www.cato.org
Heritage Foundation (Think Tank)
www.heritage.com
Job Source for Republicans
http://gop.gov/web/guest/gopjobs
Jobs in Nonprofit Organizations
www.jobsinnonprofit.com
www.opportunitynocs.org/
Moving Ideas: The Electronic Policy Network
http://www.movingideas.org/
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
www.naspaa.org
Online Resources to find a job in Political Science
www.apsanet.org/section_74.cfm
Opportunities in Public Affairs (User Name: udel; Password: bluehens)
www.brubach.com/opawebversion3/opa.htm
Peace Science Society
http://pss.la.psu.edu/
Political Job Listings in DC
www.rollcall.com and www.hillnews.com
Public Sector Jobs
www.sector1.net/jobsearch/default.asp
State of Delaware (list of agencies)
www.delaware.gov/agencies/egovernment/agencyindex
The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com
Resources for Finding Employment
University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials
Available
- Law and Legal Information Directory (CSD 286)
- Law Firms Yellow Book (CSD 287)
- 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSD 412)
- Jobs and Careers With Nonprofit Organizations
(CSD 413)
- Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
- From Making a Profit to Making a Difference
(CSD 415)
- Guide to Associations & Nonprofit Organizations
on the Internet (CSD 417)
- The Complete Guide to Careers in Fund Raising
(CSE 249)
- Opportunities in Fund-Raising Careers (CSE
250)
- The Everything Guide to Being a Paralegal (CSE 427)
- Opportunities in Paralegal Careers (CSE 428)
- Paralegal Success (CSE 429)
- Careers in Focus - Law (CSE 432)
- An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington
(CSE 441)
- Opportunities in Government Careers (CSE 442)
- Great Jobs for Political Science Majors (CSE
447)
- Careers and the Study of Political Science
(CSE 448)
- Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE
559)
- Opportunities in Social Science Careers (CSE
572)
- Careers for Born Leaders and Other Decisive
Types (CSE 591)
- Washington Internships in Law and Policy (EXR
1)
- The Congressional Internship Book (EXR 2)
- Guide to International Affairs Internships
(EXR 123)
- Washington Directory (GD 49)
- Metro Washington DC JobBank (GD 50)
- Dictionary of Occupational Titles (GE 25 &
GE 30)
- Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities
& Social Sciences (GS20)
- Guide to America's Federal Jobs (GV 20)
- The Book of U.S. Government Jobs (GV 44)
- Carroll's Federal Directory (GV 47)
- www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html
CSC's Internet Resources
Further information including: Skills to Develop,
Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to
get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy
Street.
Last updated: November 8, 2007 (LMB)
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