What can you do with a Government degree from Harvard University?

First, some facts. Of the Government graduates from Harvard University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 15 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Government graduates from Harvard University have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 64%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 53% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Government graduate.

See the details:

View a random Government graduate from Harvard University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Harvard University with a Bachelor's degree in Government. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Consultant, State & Local Government
Guidehouse
Jul 2022 - Present
As a Consultant in State & Local Government, the individual applies knowledge of government principles and practices directly related to their degree in Government, making the position highly relevant.

ABOUT

I am a graduate of Harvard University with a concentration in Government. I served as Vice President of Harvard Student Agencies, the world's largest student-run corporation. I also held a seat on the HSA board of directors. I have demonstrated skills in organisation leadership, management, corporate strategy, and a personal interest in debate and public speaking.

What jobs can you get with a Government degree from Harvard University?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


From analyzing the job history of graduates with a Government degree from Harvard University, it seems there’s a pretty diverse mix of jobs they’ve landed. Many of them have gone into fields like research and consulting, particularly in positions where they engage with governmental policies and advocacy, like being a Manager of Nuclear Advocacy or a Consultant in State & Local Government. These types of roles definitely utilize skills learned during their studies and stay relevant to the core themes of government and policy. On the flip side, there are quite a few who ended up in positions within consulting firms, financial roles, or even completely unrelated sectors like baseball operations. While these jobs might call for solid analytical thinking or project management skills—which Government graduates typically have—they often don’t directly tie back to the detailed knowledge that comes from a degree in Government.

Overall, while a decent chunk of the job placements do align well with government roles, a lot also veer off into business and specialized fields that don’t heavily rely on their government studies. It shows that while a Government degree provides a sturdy foundation in critical thinking and analysis, graduates are casting a wide net when it comes to their career choices. Many are finding ways to use their degree’s skills in areas like consulting and management, but not every job is a direct match for the principles of governance they studied. So, in honesty, it's a mixed bag!

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Government graduates (this is across all Government graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Harvard University):

What kind of career trajectories do Government graduates from Harvard University have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Graduates from Harvard University with a degree in Government seem to have a pretty diverse set of career trajectories, and many of them have found paths that align closely with their studies. Right after graduation, a lot of them land roles like research associates, program managers, or consultants—positions that let them utilize their analytical skills and understanding of policy. For example, some start in research roles or as associates in consulting firms, swiftly moving into more senior roles as they gain experience. It's common to see them working in organizations that focus on political, environmental, or social issues, or in the public or legal service sectors.

Five to ten years after graduation, many of these individuals continue to ascend in their careers, taking on managerial or senior positions, especially in consulting or legal fields. For instance, some end up as senior consultants or managers in well-known consulting firms, while others move into roles like attorneys or policy analysts in governmental or non-governmental organizations. Of course, there are a few who have taken unconventional routes or switched fields entirely, but overall, it appears that a solid number of these Government graduates are successfully carving out careers that are both fulfilling and relevant to their educational background. So, if you're considering a degree in Government, know that there are plenty of opportunities waiting out there, especially if you’re driven and open to exploring various sectors!

How hard is a Government degree from Harvard University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Government at Harvard is definitely challenging, but it’s not impossible—especially if you’re passionate about the subject. The courses can be pretty rigorous, with a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking involved. You’ll dive deep into concepts like political theory, international relations, and public policy, which requires both sharp analytical skills and a good amount of dedication. Harvard definitely has high academic standards, so you can expect to put in a significant amount of work. That said, if you enjoy discussing politics and exploring the intricacies of government systems, you might find it more rewarding than overwhelming. Overall, it’s on the tougher side compared to many other schools, but if you’re up for it, it can be an incredible experience!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Government.

Do Government graduates from Harvard University tend to make good money?

Alright, so if we take a look at these Harvard grads, it seems like they’ve managed to land some pretty decent jobs over the years. Those who went into consulting and finance, like the folks at Deloitte and Kraft Heinz, usually pull in good salaries right out of school, especially as they climb the ladder to senior roles. The legal paths can be lucrative too, but it might take longer to hit those big paychecks, especially for those starting off as legal assistants. In more hands-on fields like nursing and education, salaries can vary, and while some earn solid wages, they might not stack up against the big bucks in corporate roles. Overall, it looks like many of them are doing well financially, but not all are hitting the high salary marks right away, so it’s a mixed bag!

What buzzwords do Government graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Government (this is across all Government graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Harvard University). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Government?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Government (ordered by the average relevance score of their Government graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
The University of Texas at Austin 68 12
Harvard University 64 15