Career Opportunities
What Can I Do With A Major in Political Science?
A liberal arts degree and a major in political science along with prior work experience, internships, as well as your personal skills and talents prepare you for many careers paths. Employment opportunities for political science graduates include many challenging and rewarding careers in government, nonprofits, international organizations, political campaigns, teaching, management, communications, the media, and the legal field.
Although an advanced degree widens your employment options and allows for greater flexibility in salary negotiations and career advancement, many political science graduates secure positions with only a bachelors degree.
The following web sites provide some possibilities for future employment opportunities in the job market but first check out these current job listings:
Current Local Job Listings For Poli Sci Students & Recent Grads
Jobs for Political Science Majors:
- Full-time Receptionist/Legal Assistant Position Available. Posted April 24.
Kara Lynum graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2003 with a political science degree. She works at a law firm now and is also in law school. Her firm has a job opening for a receptionist/legal assistant. Kara thinks this position would be a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about the law and gain some office experience.
Job Announcement:
Attorneys practicing in the areas of immigration, family, and general practice law seek a receptionist/legal assistant to support a three-firm office. Duties include general reception/clerical (approximately 50% of time); office management (15%); preparing documents and correspondence (20%); and research, primarily on the internet (15%). Good opportunity to gain exposure to different areas of the law in a professional, yet office casual setting.
BA/BS in relevant field. Interest in legal profession. Must be able to balance multiple work requests. Attention to detail is important. Pay is $12 per hour, depending on qualifications.
Please send your cover letter, resume and references to the following address by May 16, 2008: Baker Court Law Offices, 821 Raymond Avenue, Suite 305, St. Paul, MN 55114. Email: frontdesk@minndivorce.com
- Ramsey County Elections.
Temporary Staff Position. Posted April 3.
Location: Ramsey County Elections Office, 90 W. Plato Blvd., Suite 160, Saint Paul, MN
Mailing Address: PO Box 64098, Saint Paul, MN 55164
Salary: $11.97 per hour
Duration: Three to six months
Description:
Ramsey County Elections is looking for several persons to fill temporary staff positions to assist in the administration of the 2008 state primary and presidential election.
Temporary staff members may be assigned to one or more of the following activities: 1) processing voter registration documents; 2) processing absentee voting documents; 3) testing voting systems; 4) preparation, assembly and breakdown of polling place materials; 5) providing assistance to voters in person and on the phone; and 6) other election-related duties as assigned.
Positions will begin in late summer and early fall.
Examples of Work Performed:
* Entry and verification of data from voter registration and absentee voting documents.
* Preparation of test materials for accuracy tests of voting equipment
* Answering questions from voters on basic election procedures
* Preparing election equipment and supplies for shipment to and from polling places
Successful Applicants Must Have the Ability to:
* Follow instructions completely and accurately
* Work collaboratively as a member of a team
* Interact fairly and impartially with a diverse population
* Meet daily deadlines
* Provide excellent customer service
Qualifications:
Recent college graduate or current college student with an interest in elections. Major in political science, government, public administration or related field is desirable. Hands-on experience in any aspect of the election process is a plus.
Experience using Word and Excel is highly desirable. Some experience working with computer databases is also desirable.
Ability to speak Hmong, Spanish, Somali or Russian is useful.
Working Conditions:
Temporary staff will work in an office setting, with some light warehouse duties possible. Dress is casual.
Normal office hours are 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. Flexible scheduling may be arranged to accommodate class schedules. Both full and part-time appointments may be made. Longer term employment as a student intern is possible based on performance.
Benefits:
Opportunity to work in one of the premier election offices in the United States. Gain real world experience in election administration and government. Develop marketable skills for future employment and career development.
Interested persons should send a cover letter and resume by surface or e-mail no later than May 9, 2008 to:
Christina Tvedten
Ramsey County Elections
PO Box 64098
Saint Paul, MN 55164-0098
christina.tvedten@co.ramsey.mn.us
Helpful Web Sites For Your Job Search
For local/Minnesota jobs: City of Minneapolis , City of St. Paul , Hennepin County , Minneapolis Star and Tribune , Minnesota Council of Nonprofits , Minnesota State Legislature , Ramsey County , Saint Paul Pioneer Press , State of Minnesota--Department of Employee Relations , U.S. Government Office of Personnel Management .
For jobs across America: American Political Science Association, Campaign Jobs (Republican) , Careers in Government , Central Intelligence Agency , Federal Bureau of Investigation , Government Jobs , HillZoo.com , Roll Call , U.S. Department of Justice , U.S. Department of State , U.S. Government Office of Personnel Management , U.S. House of Representatives , U.S. Secret Service , U.S. Senate , White House .
For help with writing your resume and cover letter as well as practicing your interview skills, visit the College of Liberal Arts Career Center in 135 Johnston Hall