Career Exploration
Political science majors graduate with excellent analytical, research, and writing skills. These are some of the most important and marketable skills in today’s job market.
A major in political science, work experience, internships, and your personal skills and talents prepare you for careers in many fields. Employment opportunities for political science graduates include careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations, politics and political campaigns, business, education, the media, the military and the legal fields.
While it is exciting to have many opportunities, we know that it can be overwhelming. Below are resources and information to help guide you as you navigate your career options.
What Can I Do With a Major in Political Science?
You can do a lot and there is not one right path for a political science major. Your path may take many unexpected turns and you may use your education in ways you never imagined.
For specific jobs our alumni have pursued, explore our Career Paths information.
Jack Stelzner's (BA '19) internships in local politics helped him gain critical skills and experience. Now, he works in D.C. as a Congress member's communications director.
Sammy Ambrosy (BA '20) puts his political science degree to use in his role as Executive Assistant. Before this role, he also worked in various positions with AmeriCorps.
Brenda Sanchez Murillo (BA '18) studied political science to learn why problems exist and how to fix them. She now works for a nonprofit that creates programs and support policies for Minnesota Latines to move toward leadership, equity, achievement, and development.
What Types of Places Hire Political Science Majors?
We have created a spreadsheet that has various organizations that hire students who majored in political science, whether for an internship, full-time job, or both. While not all of these organizations will be currently hiring, it can be helpful to see the names of organizations and familiarize yourself with the variety of jobs out there that may be of interest to you.
The POL Career and Internship Areas Exploration Spreadsheet is accessible using your UMN credentials.
How Do I Prepare to Find a Job?
There are many resources available, but we acknowledge that can make it hard to know where to start. We created a spreadsheet that has compiled UMN resources in one spot with a focus on resources helpful to political science majors.
The POL Career and Internship Preparation Resources Spreadsheet is accessible using your UMN credentials.
We also recommend taking POL 3065: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future. This course is typically offered in the spring semester and is the Department of Political Science's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Sophomore year is a great time to take this class, but it can be taken and beneficial at any time during your undergraduate career.
Questions About Internships?
Visit our Internships and Engagement page to learn more about POL 3080: Internship in Politics or Government, read Internship Success Stories, and review our opportunities spreadsheet.