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First, some facts. Of the Political Science and Economics 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 54 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Political Science and Economics graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) 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, 68% 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 Political Science and Economics graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science and Economics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern for Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-03) U.S. House of Representatives Jan 2016 - Mar 2016 Staff Assistant for Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) U.S. House of Representatives Mar 2016 - Jan 2017 Legislative Correspondent for Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) U.S. House of Representatives Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 Legislative Assistant for Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) U.S. House of Representatives Jan 2019 - Jun 2020 Senior Legislative Assistant for Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) U.S. House of Representatives Jun 2020 - Jan 2021 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the job histories of people who graduated with degrees in Political Science and Economics, a clear trend starts to emerge. Many of these grads find themselves drawn to roles in the legal field, government, and policy organizations. Positions like legal interns, legislative assistants, and policy advisors pop up frequently, indicating a strong link between their academic backgrounds and their early career choices. This makes sense because Political Science and Economics equip students with skills that are particularly valuable in roles that involve understanding complex systems, laws, and regulations.
However, it’s not just the legal and government sectors that these graduates end up in. Many of them also venture into roles in non-profits, educational institutions, and even businesses, albeit with varied relevance to their degrees. For instance, some positions, like those in marketing or restaurant management, are less directly related to Political Science and Economics. These less relevant roles seem to provide graduates with practical experience in dealing with the day-to-day challenges of the workplace, but they don’t necessarily utilize the specific skills learned during their studies. Overall, while the relevance of jobs varied significantly across the profiles reviewed, a substantial number of graduates did indeed secure positions that leveraged their Political Science and Economics knowledge, especially in legal and governmental contexts.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Political Science and Economics graduates:
Alright, so let’s break down the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Political Science and Economics from various universities. Generally, these graduates tend to pursue careers that are somewhat aligned with their fields of study. Many started their journey with internships that are directly related to politics, law, or public policy. For instance, a significant number of them landed internships at governmental agencies, non-profits, or law firms right after graduation. This is a common first step for many in the field, and it positions them well for future opportunities—especially in roles like legal assistants and policy advisors. So, if you're interested in this path, starting with a relevant internship can be a game changer!
Fast forward five to ten years, and you can see a mix of outcomes. Some graduates have continued moving up within their organizations or transitioned into significant roles—like someone who went from Director of Strategic Initiatives to Director at a national education foundation, or another individual who progressed swiftly from analyst to senior advisor roles in major government departments. However, a notable amount have also found themselves in positions that seem less related to their degree, which can be a bit concerning. For example, some have pursued careers in finance or consulting that don't directly use that Political Science and Economics background. So while some graduates thrive and stick to political or economic endeavors, others take a detour into various sectors that might not use their expertise.
In conclusion, while graduates with a Political Science and Economics degree have a solid base to propel themselves into relevant careers, the reality is that the job market can lead to a wide array of outcomes—both good and less ideal. Some find their groove in governmental roles or law, while others might wind up in positions that don’t utilize their educational background. So if you're looking to pursue this path, it’s wise to stay focused on the opportunities that align with your studies, while also being open to new experiences that could offer valuable skills and connections.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It's not inherently harder than average, but it does require a good amount of reading, critical thinking, and the ability to understand complex theories and models. You’ll be tackling everything from political theories to economic principles, which can get pretty heavy at times, especially if you're not super into those subjects. If you're someone who enjoys debating ideas and analyzing how governments and economies work, you might find it more engaging than challenging. But if numbers and dense texts aren’t your thing, it could feel like a bit of a slog. So, it really depends on your interests and how you connect with the material!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Political Science and Economics.
Looking at these LinkedIn profiles, it seems like the financial success varies quite a bit among the graduates. The person from Boston College, who went from being a paralegal to an associate attorney, likely enjoys a decent salary now since law positions often pay well, especially in firms. Similarly, those who have climbed the ranks at places like the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools also seem to be doing well, with director-level roles indicating a good paycheck. On the other hand, recent grads and those in more entry-level positions, like the one from the University of Florida or the recent Christendom College graduate working as an E-Commerce Clerk, might not be pulling in as much just yet.
In general, those with legal degrees or in management roles at established organizations seem to have a better shot at earning a good income. But for those just starting out or still in internships, it might take a few more years and experience to really see the financial benefits. Overall, some are likely making solid money now, while others have a bit of climbing to do before they're comfortable.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Political Science and Economics. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Political Science and Economics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Political Science and Economics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: