What Can I Do With a Major In Political Science?

• Department of Political Science
• SPIA Advising Office
• Washington Semester Program
• College Republicans
• Young Democrats
• SPIA Student Organizations
• UGA Student Government Association
• University Judiciary
• UGA Pre-Law Advising Program
• UGA Undergraduate Minor in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State
• Explore additional UGA clubs and organizations on the UGA Involvement Network 
• Connect with Your Career Consultant 

SKILLS

The study of government allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

• Synthesizing themes from diverse source
• Ability to interpret social and political data
• Integrating of theory and practice

Communication

• Public speaking
• Presenting written information clearly and concisely
• Ability to express multiple viewpoints

Research

• Research design, implementation and evaluation
• Examination of theory
• Ability to utilize various online research resources

SAMPLE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Communications/Media (e.g., Public Strategies Inc.)
• Congressional Offices (e.g., Local and national offices of U.S. Senators or Congressmen/women)
• Education (Curatorial, Research, Historical, Public Affairs, Naval Historical Center)
• Government Consulting Firm (e.g., KPMG, Deloitte and Touche)
• Nonprofit/NGO (e.g., Pathways for Mutual Respect, Oregon Bus Project, Partners for Livable Communities)
• Lobbying Firms (e.g., Downey McGrath Group, Inc., Carmen Group, Cassidy and Associates)
• State/Local Government (e.g., State congressmen or senators/ local councilmen)
• Political Action Committee (e.g., American Israel Public Affairs Committee)
• Think Tanks (e.g., American Enterprise Institute, Center for Strategic and International Studies)

TIPS

• An undergraduate degree in political science is good preparation for graduate or professional study in areas such as political science, public administration, foreign policy, law, business, and more. Carefully research programs in order to choose specializations or concentrations of interest.
• Maintain a high grade point average to ensure admission into a graduate or law program and/or a position within the government.
• Expect keen competition for federal positions. Prepare yourself with a strong academic background and good experience. Many government jobs have strict guidelines and want to carefully match candidates’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to the job description. Research this first and seek the classes and experiences that will best prepare you.
• Explore application to Administrative Careers with America (ACWA) and the Outstanding Scholar Program for federal positions.
• Develop strong leadership skills; run for office in clubs and organizations in school or community. Volunteer to organize or lead an event or project.
• Join related social and/or professional organizations.
• Build a strong personal network through informal contacts.
• Consider military experience and training as an entryway into government jobs and public service. The Peace Corps is also a good way to enter a career in government.
• Join LinkedIn groups that are related to your career interest. To search, select “groups” under the “interests” tab. Also, review the groups that professionals in your field of interest have joined and consider joining them as well.

Interested in graduate school? Find current information on getting into graduate school at UGA’s Career Center webpage.

• O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.  
• My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.  
• Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.  
• Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.  
• Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.  
• UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.  
• Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance. 
• Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.  
• Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

General:

• Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)  
• LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!) 
• Idealist (non-profit jobs) 
• USAJobs (federal jobs) 

Government

• Go Government
• Federal Jobs Digest
• Partnership for Public Service
• Team Georgia - Careers with the State of Georgia
• Georgia Governor's Intern Program
• Georgia Local Government Access
• Georgia Legislative Internship Program
• Vinson Institute Fellows Program

Law

• CLEO - Seeking Diversity in Law
• Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
• Discover Law

• American Political Science Association
• International Association for Political Science Students
• American Association of Political Consultants
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• Association of Government Relations Professionals
• Association County Commissioners of Georgia
• Georgia Municipal Association
• USA.gov
• American Federation of Government Employees