First, some facts. Of the Political Science And History 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 68 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 69%, Political Science And History graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+2%) 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, 69% 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 History graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 82%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science And History. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCorps MemberTeach For America May 2014 - May 2016 High School Science Teacher Glendale High School Aug 2014 - May 2016 Legal Intern U.S. Department of Education- Civil Rights Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 Legal Intern Deschutes County District Attorney's Office Jun 2018 - Sep 2018 Legal Intern U.S. Department of Justice- Civil Rights Division Sep 2018 - Dec 2018 Clinic Intern, Children and Youth Advocacy Clinic University of Washington School of Law Sep 2017 - May 2019 Associate Attorney Cedar Law PLLC Sep 2019 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Law (J.D.)University of Washington School of Law 2016 - 2019 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at individuals who have pursued degrees in Political Science and History, an interesting trend emerges in the types of jobs they often go on to occupy. Careers in law seem to dominate the landscape, with many graduates becoming associates or interns at law firms, legal clerks, attorneys, or even judges. This makes sense because the intricacies of law and justice are deeply entwined with the principles of political science. The knowledge gained in Political Science and History provides a solid foundation for understanding legal systems, making those graduates well-suited for positions that require a command over both legal concepts and the contextual history that shapes them.
Aside from law, another notable job category for these graduates is in political fields, such as legislative assistants or campaign managers. These roles leverage the core competencies tied to understanding political systems, governance, and public policy. Many profiles also illustrate a clear connection between internships or entry-level positions in government offices and the foundational knowledge acquired during their studies. However, while these positions often align well with their educational backgrounds, not every job they take directly taps into their political science knowledge. There are instances where graduates have taken on positions in fields that, while utilitarian in nature, don’t leverage the specifics of their degree — such as roles in customer service, project management in non-political sectors, or education in subjects far removed from political theory.
Overall, it's clear that while many Political Science and History graduates do find employment that closely relates to their studies, there are also significant numbers who venture into areas that don't heavily involve political knowledge. Whether this is a reflection of the job market's demands or a personal choice for varied career experiences remains to be seen. It leads us to consider how these degrees are perceived in the workforce — as either specialized qualifications for certain political or legal careers, or as versatile backgrounds that can adapt to a range of job sectors. In the end, the journey of political science graduates illustrates both the promise of their education and the diverse pathways they explore beyond traditional political roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Political Science And History graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Political Science and History, it's clear there are a variety of paths taken over the years. Many graduates seem to initially find themselves in roles related to public service or legal positions. For instance, recent graduates often secure internships in governmental offices, which is a great kickoff into careers that align closely with their educational background. Jobs like legal internships, legislative assistants, and even roles in political campaigns appear to be common first steps, showcasing a strong inclination toward jobs in the governmental or legal sectors. These foundational experiences often help them transition into more permanent roles after gaining some practical experience.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the outcomes for these graduates start to diverge a bit more. A significant number progress into more specialized legal roles—becoming attorneys, clerks, or advisors, utilizing their degrees effectively. Some, however, find themselves veering away from direct political work and entering fields such as education, community organization, or even corporate positions that are somewhat detached from their original studies. For example, there are graduates who once held political internships but later transitioned into jobs in real estate or corporate social responsibility roles. This shift suggests that while many start in trajectories that align with Political Science and History, a portion may not end up using their degrees directly, opting for careers that, while maybe unrelated, still allow them to utilize some of the skills they developed during their studies and internships.
Overall, there's a mix of success stories and more ambiguous paths. On one hand, a good number of these graduates do find rewarding careers relevant to their degrees in law, government, and public service. On the other hand, a substantial number take a more roundabout route, finding jobs that might not directly draw upon their Political Science and History education. This variety in career outcomes is important to acknowledge for future students considering these disciplines, as it highlights both the potential and the unpredictability of post-graduate life.
You know, a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty. It’s definitely not the easiest major out there, but it's not the hardest either—think of it as somewhere in the middle. It usually involves a lot of reading, analyzing texts, and writing papers, especially if you're diving into theories and historical events. If you enjoy discussions, debates, and doing research, you might find it pretty engaging. But if you’re not super into reading and writing, it can feel overwhelming at times. Overall, if you have an interest in politics and history, you’ll probably find it manageable with a decent amount of effort!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Political Science And History.
When analyzing the job trajectories of these Political Science and History graduates, it seems there's quite a range in terms of financial success. For instance, many of those pursuing careers in law, like the graduates from Keuka College or the University of Michigan, have landed roles as attorneys or associates in law firms, which typically come with decent salaries, especially as they gain experience. On the other hand, roles like teaching or public service often start lower on the pay scale. For example, the graduates from the University of Alabama and the University of Vermont seem to be stuck in entry-level or mid-tier positions that likely pay less than what law or other corporate roles would offer.
It's also worth noting that some grads are taking longer to find stable, high-paying roles compared to others who quickly ascend to managerial positions. Those who graduated more recently may still be in lower-paying internships or entry-level jobs, which can be quite common in fields like public service or education. Overall, while some of these graduates are definitely on a potential path to decent financial success, others might find it tougher depending on the job market in their particular sectors. So, if making good money is a priority, focusing on law or corporate sectors seems like a solid bet here!
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 History. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Political Science And History (ordered by the average relevance score of their Political Science And History graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: