Political science honours is a beautiful place till you finally decide to answer the ever nagging question…what next? Now the opportunities surely vary according to one’s interest but here are some general suggestions as to what you can do once you’re out of college. Getting out of college….one dreadful thought right there.
1. MA Political Science/MA Public Administration
Apply for these only and only and only if you’re 100% sure about writing NET or doing a PhD. Don’t take this up just because you are not sure of what you want to do; people who do that find it hard coping up due to lack of interest.
2. Political Scientist
Political scientists examine various aspects of the governmental system, including the ways towns, cities and countries operate, interact and make policy decisions. They research and analyze how government administrations and private organizations exercise power and react to change and then suggest possible solutions to problems and issues that arise. To help them make sound recommendations, political scientists evaluate public opinion polls, election results and how changes in legislation, can affect the political, social and economic climate. Most administrative and research positions are available to those who earn at least a master’s degree. To teach at the university level, however, and to have the greatest research opportunities requires a doctoral degree.
3. Research/ Think Tanks
Research is second to teaching as the common career option within Political Science. However, that there is not necessarily a choice between teaching and research. Many teaching positions, particularly in the universities, colleges, and also in Information Technology Institutes, Management Institutions, etc. require research activities. One can do research in a variety of employment settings-in a university, in other institutes, in a business or industrial firm, in a N.G.O. or even in the non-profit or advocacy sector. Some opt to be self-employed, and head their own research or consulting firms.
4. Political Journalist
Many graduates of Political science programme choose the media sector where they apply their expert understanding of political systems to create reports about events. Political scientists might cover elections, conduct interviews, or attend Press conferences. Most journalists from political science background recognize the importance of objectivity and attempt to present their stories and reports in a manner that reflects factual information, rather than opinions.
5. Policy Making and Administration
There are increasing opportunities for political scientists who can use their basic political training to make more informed policy decisions and administer programs more effectively and more imaginatively. He or she would be expected to read the research literature, imagine useful research projects which might be commissioned, cooperate with full time researchers who are either on the staff or who serve as outside consultants, and apply the developing knowledge of Political Science and the social sciences to the problems at hand. Problems would vary depending upon the particular employment setting.
6. Government Sector
In Government settings, many political scientists conduct research, manage programmes, are engaged in problem-solving for their agencies. Many political scientists in Central, State and local government are engaged in research and evaluation functions/powers of the Government. Some are administrators, managers or developers of programmes, and many others are engaged in policy analysis or problem-solving. They are employed in or wide variety of agencies and government departments.
7. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts use excellent analytical and mathematical skills to advise businesses, local and federal government offices on how to organize their budgets. They also write and audit reports then use that data to make recommendations to organizational leaders. In the government sector, budget analysts sometimes assist with policy analysis and providing advice to law makers regarding budget regulation decisions. To work as a budget analyst, a minimum of a bachelor’s is required. Certification is not typically required but those working with the government could seek a Certified Government Financial Manager which is offered by the Association of Government Accountants.
8. Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
Public relations managers and fund raising managers are essential to the organizations that they support. Public relations managers are responsible for trending social, economic, and political issues that will have a direct effect on their organization. They also make recommendations based on those trends that will positively enhance the public image of those organizations. Fundraising managers coordinate campaigns, formulate fundraising strategies and plan events that will generate donations towards those campaigns. Generally, a bachelor’s degree is required for entry-level jobs for both positions.
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