What can I do with a Major in.... Government and Politics ?
Individuals majoring in Government & Politics have knowledge and understanding of political theory and government administration.
Before you begin to look at the different types of opportunities available to Government & Politics majors, you must look at yourself and ask yourself a few basic questions:
What am I good at?
Understand your major strengths, skills and accomplishments. Some examples of skills and qualities employers look for are:
Initiative
Independence
Determination
Knowledge of your political affiliation
Leadership
Oral and written communication
Problem solving
Interpersonal
Computer
What do I like to do?
Examine your interests. What kind of life style do I want to lead? Examine your values...is money what you're after, job security, challenging work?
If you are having trouble answering these questions, you are not alone. Make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center. We want to help you!
POSITIONS
Once you know yourself, you are ready to decide where and how you want to apply this knowledge.
A bachelor's degree in Government and Politics and the appropriate skills and/or experience can lead to positions as:
Legislative assistants
Legislative correspondents
Press assistants
Caseworkers
Research assistants
Operations trainees
Reporters
Junior editors
Credit lenders
Junior research analysts
Experience in the field or an advanced degree could lead to certain positions as:
Lobbyists
Schedulers
Press secretaries
Legislative directors
Senior analysts
Managers
Teachers
Lawyers
Public officers
For information on graduate schools, consult Peterson's.
EMPLOYMENT
Typical places of employment are:
International organizations
Non-profit & public interest organizations
Federal agencies
Lobbying firms
Advocacy groups
Trade associations
Political consulting firms
State and local government
Party organizations/committees
Congressional research services
General accounting offices
Banks
LEARN MORE
To help you decide which area to pursue you must do in-depth research into each area of specialization and/or industry you have an interest in.
St. John's University Department of Government and Politics
Government and Politics Career and Job Resources on the Internet
Places to begin:
Join the Career Centers COACH Program
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Office of Personnel Management www.usajobs.opm.gov
Talk to people in the field, talk to your professors, write to and/or join one of the following associations:
American Association of Political Consultants, 900 2nd Street NE, No. 110 Washington, DC 20002
American League of Lobbyists PO Box 30005, Alexandria, VA 22310
For additional lists of Associations consult the Encyclopedia of Associations.