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First, some facts. Of the History And Political Science graduates 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 97 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, History And Political Science graduates have a much lower likelihood (-12%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 58% 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 History And Political Science graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 97% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History And Political Science. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONLong Term Substitute Teacher Bentonville Public Schools Mar 2016 - May 2016 Teacher  Rockdale County Public Schools Jun 2016 - Jun 2022 High School Teacher and Coach Gwinnett County Public Schools Jul 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Arts (M.A.)University of Arkansas 2015 - 2016 ABOUTI am in my fifth year teaching US History and AP World History at Heritage High School in Conyers, Georgia where I also am the head girls' soccer coach. I served as the Social Studies Department Chair from 2018-2020 and have been an assistant volleyball coach as well as assistant soccer coach for three years. I attended the University of Arkansas where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in history and political science in May 2015 and my Master of Arts in Teaching in May 2016. I am certified to teach all social studies courses for 6-12th grade in Georgia and also have my gifted endorsement and have attended several AP Summer Institutes. I am a strong believer of public schools and I agree with the idea that education is the ultimate equalizer. All students, regardless of socioeconomic background, should have the same opportunities and great teachers as others. I would love to work with those students who need an extra push to get them to success. I try to find ways to help students relate to social studies, and I also believe it is important to work with students inside and outside of the classroom. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of individuals who studied History and Political Science, a clear trend emerges: many graduates have gravitated toward roles that are firmly rooted in the legal and political realms. From judicial externships and law clerk positions to roles as attorneys and legislative aides, it’s evident that pursuing a degree in this field often prepares students for careers directly connected to government, law, and advocacy. For instance, a significant number of graduates found themselves in positions like associate attorneys, where they can apply their knowledge of legal principles and political systems on a daily basis. These roles not only make use of historical context but also engage critical analytical skills developed during their degree programs.
However, it’s important to note that not all career trajectories are relevant to the core disciplines of History and Political Science. A considerable number of graduates ventured into jobs in customer service, retail, and diverse management positions that do not explicitly align with their degree content. Positions such as sales associates, customer service representatives, and various managerial roles reflect a disconnect between their studies and their jobs. For example, those who took on roles such as food service workers or project managers in entirely different fields demonstrate that while a History and Political Science degree can build essential skills like critical thinking and communication, it does not always lead graduates to utilize their academic training in every position they hold.
Overall, while many graduates of History and Political Science find fulfilling careers directly related to their studies, the reality also shows a pattern of entering diverse fields that might not leverage their specialized knowledge. This mix of relevant and unrelated roles presents a nuanced picture of the job market for these graduates. Therefore, it highlights the importance of networking and internships during college to create pathways into relevant positions that can make the most of their educational background.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for History And Political Science graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in History and Political Science, a few patterns emerge. For many of these graduates, the first job after college tends to be either an entry-level position in legal settings, various types of internships, or roles in customer service. For instance, a graduate from the University of Vermont started as a Complaint Specialist at the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program and a University of California, Berkeley graduate began on the sales floor at Best Buy. This initial step often serves as a launching pad into more specialized fields like law or public service but can also lead to a range of different career paths, especially in retail and management positions.
Five years later, many of these individuals have moved into roles that leverage their expertise in political science or history. Some graduates who pursued law degrees became associates or even partners in law firms, showcasing a clear and relevant trajectory in the legal field, like those from UC Berkeley or Bucknell University. However, there's also a notable percentage that drift into unrelated fields or opt for less conventional uses of their degrees, particularly in administrative or managerial roles. For example, a graduate from Loras College, who initially worked as a food server, eventually ended up as an Afterhours Lead Supervisor in a freight company, which seems tangential to their academic training. Overall, while a good number find their way into policy-making or legal professions, several others pursue unrelated yet possibly fulfilling careers. This mix presents a broad spectrum of outcomes, offering both success stories in relevant fields and examples of graduates exploring diverse paths that might not directly connect to their studies.
Looking further down the road, a decade after graduation, those who stuck closely to their political science and history roots have often secured reputable positions in governmental, legal, or educational institutions. For instance, many graduates who initially took roles as interns or assistants find themselves in positions of influence as researchers, policy analysts, or even senior attorneys. On the flip side, it’s also common to see individuals who've ventured off track, like those from institutions that transitioned into fields like sales or project management, where their degrees aren’t typically applicable. This blend of outcomes illustrates that while some degree holders achieve career success relevant to their studies, others may find satisfaction in non-traditional paths, reflecting how diverse career aspirations and realities can be.
In conclusion, graduates with degrees in History and Political Science tend to navigate a mixed path in their careers. Many start in legal or public service positions but also explore a variety of roles outside their degree specialization. Five to ten years after graduation, a combination of relevant and unrelated career advancements indicates a broader definition of success, where passion and adaptability often play significant roles in their professional journeys.
A Bachelor's degree in History and Political Science can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It often requires a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking, which can be challenging if you're not into that sort of thing. While some people find the topics interesting and engaging, others might struggle with the load of research papers and assignments. On the whole, it's probably around average in terms of difficulty compared to other liberal arts degrees, but if you're passionate about the subjects, it can feel a lot easier. Just be ready to dive deep into some pretty complex ideas and debates!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in History And Political Science.
From what I've seen, it looks like a mixed bag in terms of earnings for these folks. The graduates from prestigious schools like UC Berkeley and Boston College seem to have jumped into high-paying positions, especially in law firms or as senior attorneys. For instance, the Berkeley grad who went from a Judicial Extern to a Senior Appellate Attorney is likely doing quite well financially. On the other hand, graduates from schools like the University of Vermont and Loras College had more entry-level or customer service roles initially, which probably didn't pay as well. They might have to grind it out a bit longer before seeing significantly higher pay. Overall, some are definitely on the fast track to making good money, while others may take a longer route to climb the financial ladder.
Looking at those who graduated more recently or from less well-known institutions, many have taken positions that could be considered lower on the salary scale, like teaching or various administrative roles. These can offer decent stability, but they might not stack up compared to the high salaries seen in legal or tech roles. So, while some are on solid financial paths thanks to strong early-career choices, others might need to reevaluate or wait for a bit before seeing the paychecks they want. It really depends on the field and the trajectory each person has chosen!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in History And Political Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in History And Political Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their History And Political Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: