What can I do with a major in Political Science?

As this publication illustrates, you have many different career and internship options with a Political Science major, minor or cluster. The possibilities outlined here are some of the more common ones that Political Science majors pursue after leaving the University of Rochester. Are you interested in Government? Law? Human Services? Business? Banking? Education? The first steps toward attaining these goals are outlined in the following pages.

This publication identifies potential career fields, UR alumni, academic strategies, faculty interests, useful resources, action steps, and qualification statements designed to get Political Science students thinking about the future. Information presented facilitates your researching career options, talking to alumni, discussing current trends with faculty, or speaking with a career counselor about internship and post graduate opportunities. Those who find rewarding internships and post graduate employment set clear and realistic goals, clarifying what they want to do, where they want to do it, and the steps required to enter the field they have chosen.

Recognize that these are only some common internship and post graduate options for Political Science students. Many other possible career tracks exist! In fact, Political Science majors receive excellent training for a variety of different career fields because they read carefully and analytically and write clearly and effectively. However, focus on a profession becomes important for Political Science students precisely because they can accomplish many different career goals.

Additional resources may assist you with gaining focus. Check out the Hyman J.V. Goldberg Career Library in the Career Center. Make an appointment with a counselor to critique your resume(s) or discuss your focus. Talk with your academic advisor about your coursework that will enhance your career objective. Finally, discuss your career choice with a faculty member who may be able to refer you to additional resources.