What can you do with a Political Science And Government degree?

First, some facts. Of the Political Science And Government 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 3745 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Political Science And Government graduates have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 58%
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, 45% 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 Government graduate.

See the details:

View a random Political Science And Government graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Political Science And Government. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Sales Development Representative
Ingest
Oct 2023 - Present
The role of a Sales Development Representative does not require political science skills or knowledge, as it primarily focuses on sales techniques and customer relations rather than political theories or government systems.

ABOUT

[NAME REMOVED] (Jake) Rosenfeld is a results-driven Sales Development Representative at Ingest, passionate about connecting with clients and driving business growth. With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Leadership Development from LSU, Jake brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and leadership skills to his role.At Ingest, Jake thrives on identifying opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping clients find solutions tailored to their needs. Jake's commitment to excellence, combined with a deep understanding of client dynamics, allows him to deliver results that matter.Outside of Jake's professional life, he is an avid sports enthusiast. Whether he is on the golf course or tennis court, he relishes the competitive spirit and continuous improvement these sports offer. Jake also enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, watching sports events, and creating lasting memories.Jake is excited to meet like-minded professionals, so feel free to reach out!

What jobs can you get with a Political Science And Government degree?

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


After analyzing a considerable amount of LinkedIn profiles of individuals with degrees in Political Science and Government, it's evident that there is a vast array of job positions they have occupied post-graduation. The most common career paths for these graduates appear to be in the legal field, public service, education, and roles related to advocacy or political campaigning. Many of these positions require them to utilize their political science knowledge in practical ways, while others do not consistently demand such expertise on a daily basis.

One notable trend is the substantial presence of legal professionals within these profiles; many graduates have become lawyers, legal assistants, or paralegals. These roles strongly align with the principles of political science and government, requiring a deep understanding of the legal system, regulatory frameworks, and public policy. For instance, those who worked as legal clerks or assistants often highlighted their direct application of political science knowledge in legal research and governance. Additionally, a significant number of graduates have taken up positions in government, ranging from interns to staff members and advisors at various governmental offices, which fundamentally require an understanding of political systems, legislation, and civic engagement.

Conversely, several graduates have ventured into roles that seem less related to their degrees, such as customer service, sales, and management positions in various industries like retail and hospitality. While these roles might involve transferable skills like leadership and communication, they do not necessitate a strong foundation in political science or government knowledge. For example, jobs such as software engineering, retail management, and training roles primarily emphasize technical skills or operational management, with little to no relevance to political constructs or methodologies. This can create a disconnect for graduates whose skills and training in political science are not fully appreciated or applied in their job functions.

In conclusion, while there are many job opportunities available for graduates in Political Science and Government, the relevance of their educational background to their employment varies significantly. Legal and governmental roles align closely with their studies and enhance the practical use of their degree, while other fields may utilize or overlook their specific political science skills. This disparity suggests that while a political science degree offers a solid foundation for numerous career paths, its direct application comes to light predominantly in roles within the legal and political realms.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Political Science And Government graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Political Science And Government graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Political Science and Government reveals a tapestry of diverse paths, with many individuals entering politically-related fields, particularly in law, government, and advocacy roles. Right after graduation, many alumni tend to pursue entry-level positions such as interns or assistants in government offices, legal firms, and non-profit organizations. These initial jobs often reflect a common theme of building practical experience in political and legal environments. For instance, numerous graduates begin their careers as interns at legislative offices, non-profits, or law firms, laying a solid foundation for their future careers in public service or legal practice.

As graduates progress five to ten years into their careers, many of them transition into more advanced roles that often involve leadership and substantial responsibility. For example, individuals who started as legislative aides often move up to positions such as policy advisors, communications directors, or even elected officials. Others who start as legal assistants might become associate attorneys or partners in law firms. A noteworthy trend is the high presence of lawyers among these graduates, suggesting that a significant number leverage their political science background towards legal education, culminating in careers as judges, prosecutors, or legal consultants. Meanwhile, some graduates take alternative paths in fields such as public administration, teaching, and marketing, showcasing the versatility of a political science degree.

Despite these positive trajectories, it’s essential to acknowledge that not every graduate finds their way into a politically relevant role. Some individuals pursue jobs unrelated to their field of study, such as customer service or sales positions. For instance, several graduates end up in occupations like retail management or technical support, which, while practical, may not utilize their political science training effectively. This highlights a critical aspect of pursuing a degree in Political Science and Government: while the skill set is valuable, the transition to a focused career in politics, law, or public administration is not guaranteed for all. Overall, while many Political Science and Government graduates embark on promising careers tied to their education, there remains a portion who may find themselves in less relevant fields. The outcome largely depends on individual circumstances, opportunities available, and personal career aspirations.

How hard is a Political Science And Government degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government can really depend on your interests and strengths, but generally, it’s considered to be sort of in the middle range in terms of difficulty. If you enjoy reading, discussing, and thinking critically about how societies are organized and how power works, it might feel pretty manageable. You’ll have to dive into a lot of theories, historical contexts, and current events, which can be a lot of work, especially during midterms and finals. However, compared to something like engineering or the sciences, it’s often seen as a bit easier because it leans more on analysis and writing rather than complex calculations or technical skills. So, if you’re passionate about the subject, you’ll likely find it engaging without feeling completely overwhelmed!

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 Political Science And Government.

Do Political Science And Government graduates tend to make good money?

It can be quite the rollercoaster when you look at the job paths of Political Science and Government graduates. Some have landed themselves in impressive roles that likely come with decent salary packages, especially those who transitioned into law firms or government positions after a few years of hard work. For example, graduates who moved into legal roles, like assistant attorneys or policy analysts, usually find themselves on much more lucrative career paths that reflect their education and expertise. On the other hand, there are those who seem to have taken a more winding path, perhaps working in a mix of teaching and administrative roles or casual jobs, which may not lead to a high earning potential.

In short, success varies widely. Some graduates are on solid trajectories towards financial stability, especially in high-demand fields like law and public policy, while others may find themselves in lower-paying positions or less stable job markets for a longer time. It's a mix of opportunity, ambition, and sometimes a little luck. As you think about your own future, considering where the degree can lead you—both in terms of job satisfaction and salary—will be key!

What buzzwords do Political Science And 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 Political Science And Government. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Political Science And Government?

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

College Score Count
The University of Alabama 83 16
New York University 79 11
San Diego State University 79 14
University of Notre Dame 79 13
University of California, Berkeley 78 28
Georgetown University 77 10
The George Washington University 76 20
University of Maryland College Park 75 10
Rutgers University 75 15
University of Nevada-Las Vegas 74 10
University at Albany, SUNY 72 13
John Jay College (CUNY) 72 11
The Catholic University of America 72 10
University of Michigan 71 18
Santa Clara University 71 10
University of Florida 69 28
California State University-Sacramento 69 15
University of Missouri-Columbia 67 10
American University 67 27
University of Washington 66 16
Miami University 66 13
Portland State University 66 13
The Ohio State University 65 20
Virginia Commonwealth University 65 17
California State University-Long Beach 65 10
The University of Texas at Austin 64 35
Baylor University 64 10
Brigham Young University 63 14
Indiana University Bloomington 63 12
Louisiana State University 63 14
Queens College 63 13
Fordham University 63 15
University of Central Florida 62 33
University of Wisconsin-Madison 62 21
University of California, Los Angeles 62 42
Georgia State University 62 20
University of Minnesota 62 11
UC Santa Barbara 62 14
Howard University 62 10
Temple University 61 15
The University of Georgia 61 11
Binghamton University 61 11
University of Colorado Boulder 60 18
Arizona State University 59 44
Florida State University 59 33
Towson University 59 14
Florida Atlantic University 59 21
Virginia Tech 59 14
San Jose State University 58 12
University of South Carolina 58 13
Michigan State University 57 10
Kansas State University 56 10
UC Irvine 56 14
College of the Holy Cross 56 11
Florida International University 55 23
University of South Florida 55 21
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 55 12
Appalachian State University 55 15
Christopher Newport University 55 14
University of Houston 54 20
Colorado State University 54 12
Loyola University Chicago 54 10
University of Oregon 53 20
Georgia Southern University 53 10
University of Maryland Baltimore County 53 14
University of Arkansas 52 12
Harvard University 52 10
University of California, Davis 51 21
North Carolina State University 51 12
Troy University 51 10
Illinois State University 50 21
California State University, Long Beach 50 12
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 50 12
Texas Tech University 49 15
Auburn University 49 14
California State University, Northridge 49 10
West Chester University of Pennsylvania 49 10
Villanova University 49 12
San Francisco State University 48 12
Kennesaw State University 47 15
University of Arizona 46 16
West Virginia University 46 13
Texas A&M University 45 26
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 45 14
University of California, Riverside 45 20
University of Connecticut 45 13
Penn State University 44 10
University at Buffalo 42 12
University of Iowa 41 12
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 40 19
Clemson University 37 11
University of Mississippi 29 10