3 answers
Ewan
Student
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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How to be better at networking with others to get into the Political Science Field?
Where our some places where I can meet other people in Political science in order to network and get my name out there for a potential job after college? #spring25
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3 answers
JAYANT CHOPRA
Sales Operations
3
Answers
Gurugram, Haryana, India
Updated
JAYANT’s Answer
Great question! Networking is super important in the political science field. Whether you're looking to work in government, policy research, law, international relations, or political consulting, knowing the right people can really help you succeed.
Before you start networking, think about which area of political science excites you the most:
- Government & public policy
- International relations/diplomacy
- Political campaigns
This focus will help you meet the right people and have more meaningful conversations. Keep going—your connections can make a big difference!
Before you start networking, think about which area of political science excites you the most:
- Government & public policy
- International relations/diplomacy
- Political campaigns
This focus will help you meet the right people and have more meaningful conversations. Keep going—your connections can make a big difference!
Andrew E
Marketing
4
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
What types of jobs are you looking for out of college? Political science is a great major that can open many career pathways, from government to law to business and more! Networking is a great way to help narrow down your interests and to find job opportunities. A few good ways to do that are:
1) Use LinkedIn to find people who have jobs that you're interested in pursuing after college and reach out to see if any would be willing to do an informational call so you can learn more. Look for people who have things in common with you (like ones who went to your college) to increase the likelihood they will respond.
2) Leverage your college's career resources and alumni network. Go to career fairs that your college hosts and reach out to alumni via the college network who are in careers that interest you. Some colleges even have mentoring programs where you can be paired with alumni who work in jobs that you might want to purse.
3) If politics/government is the path you want to pursue after college, you can get started by volunteering or interning on a political campaign. I did this for my first internship in college (interned on a US senate campaign), and it taught me so much, but also gave me a network of people who were working in politics.
1) Use LinkedIn to find people who have jobs that you're interested in pursuing after college and reach out to see if any would be willing to do an informational call so you can learn more. Look for people who have things in common with you (like ones who went to your college) to increase the likelihood they will respond.
2) Leverage your college's career resources and alumni network. Go to career fairs that your college hosts and reach out to alumni via the college network who are in careers that interest you. Some colleges even have mentoring programs where you can be paired with alumni who work in jobs that you might want to purse.
3) If politics/government is the path you want to pursue after college, you can get started by volunteering or interning on a political campaign. I did this for my first internship in college (interned on a US senate campaign), and it taught me so much, but also gave me a network of people who were working in politics.
Christian Becerra
Operations professional
40
Answers
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Updated
Christian’s Answer
My biggest piece of advice? Internships, internships, internships!
I got my start in politics by literally Googling a political campaign I was interested in, finding their internship application, and applying. I heard back, got involved, and that one opportunity opened the door to so many others.
I didn’t start with some impressive network of political connections. I built those relationships through the work itself.
If you’re still in college, I would strongly encourage you to pursue internships with political campaigns, congressional offices, state legislatures, advocacy organizations, or nonprofits working on issues you care about. Don’t overlook smaller, local organizations either. Sometimes those are the places where you’ll get the most hands-on experience and opportunities to take on real responsibilities.
Something else I’d emphasize is that networking doesn’t always mean attending formal events or introducing yourself to strangers on LinkedIn. Some of the most valuable professional relationships I’ve developed started with simply showing up, doing good work, asking questions, and staying in touch with people afterward.
And don’t feel like you have to wait until your senior year! Start applying now, even if it’s just for a summer internship or a few hours of volunteering each week.
Political science is a broad field, and there are opportunities in communications, research, policy, organizing, fundraising, and operations. Internships can help you figure out which areas you actually enjoy while introducing you to people already working in them.
My advice is to focus less on getting your name out there and more on getting yourself into the room. Once you’re there, be curious, dependable, and willing to learn. The relationships will follow.
I got my start in politics by literally Googling a political campaign I was interested in, finding their internship application, and applying. I heard back, got involved, and that one opportunity opened the door to so many others.
I didn’t start with some impressive network of political connections. I built those relationships through the work itself.
If you’re still in college, I would strongly encourage you to pursue internships with political campaigns, congressional offices, state legislatures, advocacy organizations, or nonprofits working on issues you care about. Don’t overlook smaller, local organizations either. Sometimes those are the places where you’ll get the most hands-on experience and opportunities to take on real responsibilities.
Something else I’d emphasize is that networking doesn’t always mean attending formal events or introducing yourself to strangers on LinkedIn. Some of the most valuable professional relationships I’ve developed started with simply showing up, doing good work, asking questions, and staying in touch with people afterward.
And don’t feel like you have to wait until your senior year! Start applying now, even if it’s just for a summer internship or a few hours of volunteering each week.
Political science is a broad field, and there are opportunities in communications, research, policy, organizing, fundraising, and operations. Internships can help you figure out which areas you actually enjoy while introducing you to people already working in them.
My advice is to focus less on getting your name out there and more on getting yourself into the room. Once you’re there, be curious, dependable, and willing to learn. The relationships will follow.