6 answers
Ryan
Student
Cummington, MA
1
Question
Asked
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As a high school student interested in politics, history, geography, city government, etc. What could be a good major/career path for me?
I am not really sure what major I want to go into for college. I know I could do political science but I just don't see that being a gateway into a career (correct me if I'm wrong). If there is a major/career in that sphere I would love to know what that would be. I was thinking law but I'm not sure if that is exactly what I want to pursue, I'm definetly open though. If there is any good ideas, please let me know.
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6 answers
Casey Thiel
Human Resources
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Casey’s Answer
I was a political science major, and decided to focus on political philosophy and international relations. I also did a double major in economics; it was a synergistic pairing that greatly enhanced my experience of each group of coursework.
As others have said, many went into law school. Another group also were hired to be entry level organizational consultants. Many also interned for political campaigns and received work with different NGOs and political organizations.
If you decide to go down this path I'd highly encourage you to take a few business courses, even if its just to built a network of peers who are also interested in jump-starting their career after college. I think I missed out on opportunities because the advising in the political science department wasn't experienced at providing advice to people interested in pursuing a professional career. If that's something you're interested in, you can likely get some type of support from the other departments even if you aren't a student.
Best of luck!
As others have said, many went into law school. Another group also were hired to be entry level organizational consultants. Many also interned for political campaigns and received work with different NGOs and political organizations.
If you decide to go down this path I'd highly encourage you to take a few business courses, even if its just to built a network of peers who are also interested in jump-starting their career after college. I think I missed out on opportunities because the advising in the political science department wasn't experienced at providing advice to people interested in pursuing a professional career. If that's something you're interested in, you can likely get some type of support from the other departments even if you aren't a student.
Best of luck!
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Political science might seem like a "soft" degree, but it can definitely lead to a career if you mix it with experience, internships, and networking. Think of it as a starting point where you learn about how governments work and how policies are made. To get a job in the field, it's helpful to add some practical experience.
Many people with your interests go into areas like law, public policy, urban planning, international relations, or public administration. Law is popular because it offers a clear career path and builds skills that fit well with politics and government. Public policy or administration can lead to roles in government, NGOs, or think tanks. Urban planning or city management is great if you're interested in local government and cities. You can also pair political science with minors in economics, sociology, or data analysis to boost your job prospects.
It's important to get hands-on experience early. Volunteer for city council programs, political campaigns, student government, Model UN, debate, or internships with local government offices. These activities help turn your interest in politics and history into a career. Your major is flexible, but combining what you study with what you do outside of class is what really makes you stand out. You're already on the right path by exploring your interests broadly.
Many people with your interests go into areas like law, public policy, urban planning, international relations, or public administration. Law is popular because it offers a clear career path and builds skills that fit well with politics and government. Public policy or administration can lead to roles in government, NGOs, or think tanks. Urban planning or city management is great if you're interested in local government and cities. You can also pair political science with minors in economics, sociology, or data analysis to boost your job prospects.
It's important to get hands-on experience early. Volunteer for city council programs, political campaigns, student government, Model UN, debate, or internships with local government offices. These activities help turn your interest in politics and history into a career. Your major is flexible, but combining what you study with what you do outside of class is what really makes you stand out. You're already on the right path by exploring your interests broadly.
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
27
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I would look at jobs in government at all levels, including recruitment websites, to see what kinds of roles there are and what education or experience they require. Then you can pick an education that fits where you want to go, or gives you many options, rather than having to guess. Political science can open doors, but so can experience. You may find internships and volunteer work, including for campaigns or nonprofits, make more sense than getting an advanced degree for the position you want. Best not to spend too much money on education until you're sure it'll take you where you want to go. Besides, you can always educate yourself about political theory and practice at your own pace.
Law school is a hefty time and financial commitment, so I would work some in the field, even as a volunteer, to see if you actually want to be a lawyer. It is possible to be a non-practicing lawyer and work for government (I do), but it's a lot of additional investment you may not need to make. One advantage of being careful about how much education you get is that it leaves you free to experiment only needing to pay your own living expenses, instead of also having to pay student debt.
Law school is a hefty time and financial commitment, so I would work some in the field, even as a volunteer, to see if you actually want to be a lawyer. It is possible to be a non-practicing lawyer and work for government (I do), but it's a lot of additional investment you may not need to make. One advantage of being careful about how much education you get is that it leaves you free to experiment only needing to pay your own living expenses, instead of also having to pay student debt.
DENNIS BREEN
Lawyer
228
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
DENNIS’s Answer
Ryan:
With all due respect - you're a kid! Enjoy every subject and learn everything! I had 6 majors going through college and 2 going through grad school and finally 1 in Law School. I started as a political science major, swithched to business because I was playing football and team mates urged me to change! I switched 4 more times until returning to political science. Got a job out of college in insurance which I hated, then did alot of other jobs including driving a cab in DC..
Ryan the road you follow is your road alone. Have fun. Enjoy, learn, keep an open mind and things will work out as they should. As a lawyer I spent most of my time in court on civil cases. I loved it. It was where I belonged. So my advice is let your road grow with you. See and experience new things. In the end you will be where you are suppose to be - and if you're not happy, just try something new. Remember, mistakes are the only things you can truly call your own! (Billy Joel line) Good luck
With all due respect - you're a kid! Enjoy every subject and learn everything! I had 6 majors going through college and 2 going through grad school and finally 1 in Law School. I started as a political science major, swithched to business because I was playing football and team mates urged me to change! I switched 4 more times until returning to political science. Got a job out of college in insurance which I hated, then did alot of other jobs including driving a cab in DC..
Ryan the road you follow is your road alone. Have fun. Enjoy, learn, keep an open mind and things will work out as they should. As a lawyer I spent most of my time in court on civil cases. I loved it. It was where I belonged. So my advice is let your road grow with you. See and experience new things. In the end you will be where you are suppose to be - and if you're not happy, just try something new. Remember, mistakes are the only things you can truly call your own! (Billy Joel line) Good luck
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I taught American Government and Politics for thirty-eight years, covering the United states government, State and Local politics, Constitutional Law, and Public Administration.
during that period, most universities and colleges offered majors in Poly Sci, as with advanced degrees, there were several openings to teach the subject.
But that career choice has been shrinking and institutions of higher learning have cutting back and offering more career tract classes and majors in tech and finance.
Times change.
Political Science is also a traditional major when thinking about applying to law school, but you apparently do not have a strong interest.
Therefore, if politics attracts you, yes, major in it if possible, and that will help you make contacts to the political world around you, then volunteer, show others what you are capable of of doing, get involved in campaigning from the bottom up, and if you're good enough it can become your career.
during that period, most universities and colleges offered majors in Poly Sci, as with advanced degrees, there were several openings to teach the subject.
But that career choice has been shrinking and institutions of higher learning have cutting back and offering more career tract classes and majors in tech and finance.
Times change.
Political Science is also a traditional major when thinking about applying to law school, but you apparently do not have a strong interest.
Therefore, if politics attracts you, yes, major in it if possible, and that will help you make contacts to the political world around you, then volunteer, show others what you are capable of of doing, get involved in campaigning from the bottom up, and if you're good enough it can become your career.
Glenn Hyman
8
Answers
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Hey Ryan, I would say you don't have to choose right away. My experience is that that the first two years of college is to do what you want and take a wide variety of stuff. That can help you narrow it down. I've been working in the field of international relations and geography for 40 years. In the field of geography and city planning, you might want to try out geographic information science and remote sensing. I started working that area 40 years ago and it's still going strong. In fact it's it's going through another surge of growth with the use of artificial intelligence. It might be good to consider a career and emphasis that some call the T shaped trajectory. That means that you should both develop a niche expertise where you go very deep into something and at the same time you do a broad education so that you know a little bit of everything. That's usually a good formula for career success.