Political Science Careers: A Comprehensive Guide For 2021
Introduction
As soon as you hear Political Science, the scene that comes to the fore is that of the perpetual battleground of Indian politics. Some get excited, and many more get repulsed by how this plays out day in and day out on social and broadcast media. But unknown to many, there is more to what Political Science can offer than meets the eye.
Political Science is the best subject to take up for those who wish to explore the political landscape prevalent in various parts of the world, the functioning of governments, and society in general. The study of political science imparts knowledge of politics and governance and helps develop deep critical and analytical skills. Today let’s explore the Political science careers available.
Political Science Careers
There is a multitude of Political Science Careers for students majoring in Political Science today. Some of the most sought-after Political Science careers are listed here:
- Civil Services
- Policy Analyst
- Law
- Legislative Assistant
- Social Media Manager
- Journalism
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
- Political Campaign staff
- Public Relations officer
- Political Scientist
1. Civil Services
Studying Political Science is ideal for those who wish to take up administrative services in the government of India, which include IAS (Indian Administrative Services), IFS (Indian Foreign Services), and IPS (Indian Police Services). The subject of Political Science helps with UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams where a well-rounded knowledge of Political Science is critical.
2. Policy Analyst
A policy analyst role demands critical thinking, strong research and writing skills, and in-depth knowledge of public policy. A policy analyst role requires one to study the impact of new policy adoptions and either strongly advocate or discredit their implementation. A major in Political Science will prepare you for each of the above requirements of a policy analyst role. Political Science will also develop an aptitude for legislative processes, another requirement for the role of a policy analyst.
3. Law
Political Science prepares you well with the basics of the Judicial system, the laws of the Republic of India, and the constitution of India. It lays the foundation for students to take up law after majoring in Political Science.
4. Legislative Assistant
A relatively lesser-known profile, the legislative assistant is hired by public representatives in the state and national governments to help with matters of policy, pending legislation, investigate problems faced by the citizens, and communicate with administrative officials within their jurisdiction. This role keeps you in constant and close connection with your political bosses and helps you understand the role of a politician from a close range.
5. Social Media Manager
With today’s highly social media aware and active citizen, it is inevitable that every publicly elected representative and those in the opposition need to be social media aware. Social media even helps build an image in the eyes of the citizenry by being vocal about initiatives and incidents. All this requires direction and can only be provided by a well-qualified Social Media Manager. A candidate with a Political Science degree suits well in this role, with the knowledge of what constitutes a positive public image, engineer social media opinions, and shape campaigns.
6. Journalism
Journalism today is synonymous with political journalism. A political journalist uses knowledge and experience gained to create awareness about public issues across print and electronic media. Political science graduates make excellent reporters, correspondents, and journalists with their unmatched understanding of the political environment.
7. Marketing Research Analyst
With their knowledge of public research methodologies, Political Science graduates possess an inherent knack for marketing roles that require extensive market research like Marketing Research Analyst. They can easily pick up on analytics carried out on targeted demographics given their academic background. A management degree after gaining a qualification in Political Science will help you gain easy access to such roles.
8. Intelligence Analyst
Another one of the political science careers option that might be an exciting one for some, that of an intelligence analyst working for federal agencies like CBI. With a background in all the dynamics involved in policymaking and knowledge of the underlying political system in the country, it is relatively easy for a Political Science graduate to understand specific circumstances of matters important to national security and policy implementation.
9. Political Campaign staff
Although political campaigns these days are won by star campaigners, there is no doubt that there is a great deal of planning and deep-rooted knowledge on topics that draw the attention of the general public. Political Science graduates are already well versed with the dynamics of policymaking and curating public sentiment. Political Science graduates can be involved in designing election campaign strategies either at a local or a national level, advise on the current political situation and curate appropriate responses for their political bosses, helping create a positive public image.
10. Public Relations officer
Public relations officers or representatives are the people who, like social media managers, help build and protect the image of their employers. With grassroots level knowledge of policymaking, journalism, public speaking, and the polity, graduates in Political Science are already well placed to handle the interaction with the general public for their bosses. This role involves a lot of interaction with the media, arranging press conferences, public appearances, and events.
11. Political Scientist
Political Scientists are subject matter experts in the matters of public domain and governance. An MA in Political Science followed by a Ph.D. will take you on your journey of becoming a well-known Political Scientist.
Conclusion
Political Science is for those who are truly passionate about working in the public domain in any of the above capacities. Political Science students have gone on to become some of the most celebrated and known personalities in the country. If you need to know more about the subjects in Political Science, take up our tailormade courses on Jigsaw Academy and start your journey to coveted political science careers.
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