First, some facts. Of the Political Science And Government graduates from Portland State 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 66%, Political Science And Government graduates from Portland State University have a slightly lower likelihood (-1%) 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, only 15% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Political Science And Government graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Portland State University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science And Government. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCampus MinistryConnections Community Church Mar 2019 - Present ABOUTGraduated from PSU in December of 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Civic Leadership. I am currently working part time and seeking a position where I can put my degree in action. My hearts desire is to work for a non profit that is changing lives and making a difference in our world. I am also very interested in working on a campaign. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the career paths of people who graduated with a degree in Political Science and Government from Portland State University, it seems like there's a pretty mixed bag when it comes to job relevance. Some of the most common roles include positions within government like Legislative Interns or Committee Assistants, which are spot-on related to their degrees. These jobs require a deep understanding of political processes and legislative work, making them directly applicable to what they studied. Other roles, like law clerk positions, also leverage skills directly tied to political science, focusing on legal frameworks and government operations. On the flip side, there are quite a few graduates who've gone into fields that don’t really connect to their education—think aviation, coaching, or health care jobs that just don’t pull from political science knowledge at all.
In general, while there are definitely some impressive career paths centered around politics and governance, many graduates are finding themselves in roles that don’t utilize their Political Science expertise directly. For instance, some have taken jobs in military aviation, teaching roles, or even corporate positions that seem pretty far removed from politics. So, it seems that while a Political Science degree from Portland State University can open doors to relevant positions in government and law, there’s also a significant number of graduates who have ventured into careers that don’t align closely with what they learned. It’s a reminder that while your degree can guide you, it doesn’t always dictate your career path!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Political Science And Government graduates (this is across all Political Science And Government graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Portland State University):
It looks like graduates from the Political Science and Government program at Portland State University tend to embark on a pretty diverse range of career paths after they finish their degree. For many, especially in the earlier years after graduation, the jobs they take often reflect their interest in public service, government, or education. For instance, right after graduation, some have snagged internships in state legislatures, while others have gone on to work directly with the U.S. Marine Corps, leveraging their skills in leadership and management. These roles seem to be a mix of practical experience and service-oriented positions, which is pretty typical for this field. It's not rare to see some graduates holding roles such as legislative assistants or even getting into roles related to law, which can set them up for more advanced careers down the road.
Fast forward five to ten years, and many of these graduates seem to be advancing into roles that hint at solid career growth. Those who started in internships or entry-level positions often move on to roles with increasing responsibility, like Legislative Correspondents or Policy Advisors. Others have found niches in education, community outreach, or even the healthcare sector, illustrating the versatility of the degree. While not everyone's path has a direct correlation with their studies in Political Science, many seem to build careers that are relevant and impactful. Overall, it looks like a good chunk of these graduates are making solid strides in their respective fields, whether that's in government, education, or law, showcasing that a degree in Political Science from PSU can open up a multitude of doors.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government at Portland State University isn't the easiest thing out there, but it's also not as tough as some other majors, especially if you're passionate about the subject. You’ll dive into a lot of reading, discussions, and maybe even some research projects, which can be demanding but also really engaging if you like politics and social issues. The workload can vary depending on your professors and the courses you choose, so if you stay organized and keep up with assignments, it's definitely manageable. Plus, the diverse perspectives you'll encounter can make the classes really interesting! Overall, I'd say it’s a pretty average degree in terms of toughness, especially for those who have a genuine interest in the subject.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Political Science And Government.
So, looking at these graduates from Portland State University and their job paths, it’s a bit of a mixed bag in terms of money. For the 2011 grad, they’ve worked in the military and now as a First Officer at Piedmont Airlines, which could lead to decent pay, especially with their extensive experience. The 2014 and 2018 grads have mostly held roles in public service and education, which often don't pay as well, but could lead to better opportunities down the line. Someone from 2019 is now a registered nurse, which is typically a well-paying job, while others are jumping into internships or entry-level roles, which likely don’t pay much at all. Bottom line, some have landed in higher-earning fields, especially in aviation and healthcare, but others are still climbing the ladder in lower-paying gigs. So, overall, I'd say it looks like some are doing alright financially while others might need to hustle a bit harder to get to a comfortable spot.
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 is across all Political Science And Government graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Portland State University). This may or may not be useful:
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: