Careers in Politics

Breaking into the world of politics can be difficult if you aren't familiar with its structures and nuances.

Many students and citizens aspire to careers in politics to help improve their communities. Political science jobs provide a forum for motivated strategists, politicians, analysts, and educators to make an impression on society from within local, state, or federal organizations. Political science majors often blur the lines between their personal and professional belief systems, aligning with their political party of choice to pursue careers.

This guide explores some of the most dynamic and fulfilling political science careers.

What Is a Career in Politics Like?

Aspiring professionals from many backgrounds can pursue jobs in politics. Political science careers are commonly found in lobbying organizations, political action committees (PACs), and the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. Politicians can also find work in non-governmental organizations, thinktanks, and election campaigns.

Many aspiring politicians enjoy the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of lobbying and government organizations. Political science majors often fundraise for PACs affiliated with their party or become lobbyists on behalf of politicians or specific industry interests. Administrative jobs in scheduling and assisting are highly coveted because they are the best way to build experience, especially within state and local governments.

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Within the judicial branch, political science majors can aspire to state supreme court or state attorney general positions, which are usually elected. By contrast, federal positions like Supreme Court justice and attorney general are appointed, not elected, so the route to those jobs is different. Political science majors are ideal candidates for analyst and pollster positions for thinktanks and as strategists for campaigns and social media.

Whether pursing lobbying, public office, or administrative roles, all candidates need strong communication, computer, and diplomacy skills. Political science jobs also require a high degree of emotional maturity and discretion. While candidates can pursue state and local government roles throughout the U.S., many upper-level positions concentrate around Washington, D.C.

Campaign-centered careers in political science require candidates with highly adaptable skills. Presidential election cycles can last for up to 2.5 years, while other cycles may only last for several months. Many campaign workers spend their "off seasons" advocating for legislation or temporarily working for down-ballot elections, nonprofits, or special-interest groups, both locally and in Washington, D.C.

How Are Careers in Politics Different From Careers in Government?

While the two fields share some similarities, jobs in politics and government differ in several ways. Political careers include people who work in governance, including elected officials, department heads, and campaign workers. Those working in public service, in the military, or as legislative aides or state court judges hold government positions and are considered public servants. This includes roles like postal worker, teacher, police officer, or transit employee. There are more roles in government — totaling 3,867,028 nationwide — than in politics.

Many political jobs in the U.S.A. are inherently cyclical. For example, campaign workers and elected officials have fluctuating employment opportunities depending on that year's elections. Additionally, the staff members and aides who support elected officials must also endure the ebb and flow of jobs in politics. Naturally, there are more available roles in politics during active election cycles.

In many cases, politics and government commingle. With only subtle differences between political and governmental roles, it's understandable that citizens generally use the two interchangeably. Many elected officials, for example, hold political positions but also supervise government employees. Politicians elected to their positions frequently aspire to advanced government jobs at the local, state, or federal level.

Working for the government comes with a variety of benefits. While opportunities vary depending on a candidate's qualifications and location, perks can include retirement pensions, subsidized medical and dental insurance, and a public service loan forgiveness program. Local, state, and federal government jobs typically offer diverse employment opportunities with competitive salary prospects.

Entry-Level Jobs in Politics

Studying political science can lead to entry-level roles in government agencies and political campaigns. The U.S. government encompasses hundreds of departments, agencies, and sub-departments, including the armed forces, Congress, and the Census Bureau. In most cases, the specific department is more important than the title, since many roles share the same titles across multiple government agencies.

Entry-level political jobs require unique skill sets suited to political science majors. Students can tailor their careers in political science to their skills and areas of interest, pursuing positions like data analyst, social media strategist, or pollster in fields like research, law, or administration.

What's the Best Way To Get Into Politics?

Jobs in politics require a diverse set of skills, a solid education, and professional experience. Political science majors typically seek internships and networking opportunities while they're still in school to help kickstart their political careers. In addition to political science, aspiring politicians can choose to earn bachelor's degrees in legal studies, history, or economics.

While most colleges offer pathways to careers in political science, there are a few schools known for producing politically minded students, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, West Point, Stanford, UCLA, and Georgetown. Congress counts alumni of Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, and Yale Law School among its members.

Political science students can pursue a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. Both degrees prepare graduates for jobs in politics through required coursework in economics, political theory, and law. Internships also play an important role in career readiness for political science majors; some schools require students to complete internships to earn their bachelor's degrees, while others highly recommend internship experience.

Networking is another critical element in preparing for a career in political science. Building connections through professional associations, student-led organizations, and fraternities and sororities specific to political science can benefit entry-level job-seekers after graduation.

Professional networking also helps to develop soft skills, like communication, critical thinking, and computer proficiency, which can all increase job prospects for political science graduates. Fundraising experience is another major advantage, especially for those who aspire to organize political or grassroots campaigns.

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