MA/MS Program Handbook: Careers in Political Science
You should start building your resume upon which your job search will be based during your first semester on campus. In addition to earning the best grade point average possible, you should plan to participate in a job-related internships during your graduate career. Also, you should consider adding community service (volunteer) activities to your resume, as well as campus leadership activities. Finally, you should make a point of getting to know at least three professors well, so they will be able to write positive letters of recommendation for you.
According to a recent survey, here are the major qualities that count with employers:
- Attitude
- Communication skills
- Previous work experience
- Score on tests administered as part of interview
- Academic performance
- Teacher recommendations
There are several major career option areas for Political Science majors:
- Government Operations
- Federal government
- State government
- Local government
- Foreign Affairs
- Foreign Service
- Intelligence
- Corporations and Financial Institutions with operations abroad
- Lobbying
- Trade Associations
- Corporations
- Public Interest Groups
- Unions
- Interest Groups
- Political Action Committees
- Business
- Political Science is an excellent liberal arts preparation for a career in the business world. It improves your communication skills, information management skills, design and planning skills, research and investigation skills, management and administration skills, and critical thinking skills.
During the first semester of your final year, you should begin compiling
a list of potential career contacts. First, register with the Career Center
at Indiana State University. In addition, there are many very important job
listings on Internet (e.g., Online Career Center, Job Openings in the
Federal Government, Employment Opportunities and Job Resources on the
Internet, etc.). See Appendix II of this Handbook for Political Science
Career Literature in the ISU library.
Career Center
The Career Center provides services to student from all academic units in
the University. A professional staff provides students and alumni programs
and services in the areas of career and life planning, professional
employment experiences , and job search assistance. These services are
offered through individual consultations, group workshops, and resource
materials available through the Career Center Library. Individuals may
receive assistance in exploring career options, developing and/or refining
job search skills, establishing job search credentials, identifying
professional employment opportunities, referral of credential materials to
prospective employers, obtaining access to campus interviews for full-time
employment after graduation as well as experiential education opportunities,
and utilizing resource materials in the Career Library.
The center is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building,
567 North Fifth Street.