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Gabriel
Student
Leesburg, Virginia
1
Question
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How should I determine my double major/minor as a prospective Government major??
As a prospective government major at William and Mary, would it be wise to include a major or a minor in business? My thoughts were that an additional focus in a slightly more technical field would make me more competitive and add job security, and I would love some additional insight into good pairings. I've also heard that there are ways for liberal arts majors to break into consulting. I'm not totally sure if that suits me, but does anyone know how viable a strategy that is? Thanks!
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9 answers
Joanna Lyons
Consulting
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Joanna’s Answer
Pairing Government major with a Business minor seems like a good idea. I have a Political Science major and Spanish minor and consulting was my first job after undergrad, so I wouldn't say a Business or Econ degree is 100% necessary to break in. That said, in a competitive environment, it could help signal your familiarity with business to folks reviewing resumes, which could be a helpful way for you to stand out and differentiate yourself.
Spencer Gee
Cloud Engineering Consultant
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Spencer’s Answer
Choose a major that offers good job opportunities, and pick a minor that you enjoy. You might find that these two areas can work together in a future job. Don't worry too much about how your minor will impact your career; instead, use it as a chance to explore your interests.
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
30
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
I asked a recent W&M grad I know who went into consulting and this is what she said:
"I definitely think that’s a good idea. My advice would be to make the business degree the primary focus and just minor in government if they’re still interested in it. You really need that background to stay competitive because the consulting space is being flooded right now. We’re seeing a ton of people with business and analytical degrees moving into consulting simply because they can’t find jobs in finance or analytical roles that they would normally go for. Since those industries are so difficult and the job market is bad for everyone, all those people are pivoting to consulting . If you don't have that same business or analytical foundation, it’s going to be harder going against someone who does. I also think a business degree will allow you to move around more if you don’t want to stay in a government consulting space too so it’ll just give you more options if you don’t get the result you wanted.
I will say I do have friends with business degree who weren’t able to break into consulting like me because while your major is important it is not the only thing they look at. If you plan on trying to break into consulting you need to be trying to get internships to get experience and keep your GPA high."
"I definitely think that’s a good idea. My advice would be to make the business degree the primary focus and just minor in government if they’re still interested in it. You really need that background to stay competitive because the consulting space is being flooded right now. We’re seeing a ton of people with business and analytical degrees moving into consulting simply because they can’t find jobs in finance or analytical roles that they would normally go for. Since those industries are so difficult and the job market is bad for everyone, all those people are pivoting to consulting . If you don't have that same business or analytical foundation, it’s going to be harder going against someone who does. I also think a business degree will allow you to move around more if you don’t want to stay in a government consulting space too so it’ll just give you more options if you don’t get the result you wanted.
I will say I do have friends with business degree who weren’t able to break into consulting like me because while your major is important it is not the only thing they look at. If you plan on trying to break into consulting you need to be trying to get internships to get experience and keep your GPA high."
Thanks for the advice, I've certainly got some things to think about!
Gabriel
Pranav Vijay
Health Benefits Consultant
2
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Pranav’s Answer
As someone who majored in math and now works in a consulting role closely with the government, I think technical understanding can be just as valuable as a business minor, especially in today's landscape.
A business minor is absolutely useful, and I wouldn't discourage it. But even within government roles, so much of the work now revolves around software products, data systems, and digital infrastructure. People who can bridge the gap between policy and technology are incredibly rare and highly sought after. That's where you can really set yourself apart.
With that in mind, here are a few pairing options worth considering:
Government + Computer Science minor: gives you a genuine technical foundation that's applicable across virtually every sector
Government + Business minor with an AI/data analytics focus: a great middle ground if you want both the business vocabulary and tech fluency
Government + Statistics or Data Science minor: especially powerful if you're drawn toward policy analysis or research-heavy roles
But more important than any of this is to pick something that piques your interest and curiosity. The best advice I can give is to follow what you want to learn about. Even if the future career value may not be apparent now, following your interests and passions is always valuable.
A business minor is absolutely useful, and I wouldn't discourage it. But even within government roles, so much of the work now revolves around software products, data systems, and digital infrastructure. People who can bridge the gap between policy and technology are incredibly rare and highly sought after. That's where you can really set yourself apart.
With that in mind, here are a few pairing options worth considering:
Government + Computer Science minor: gives you a genuine technical foundation that's applicable across virtually every sector
Government + Business minor with an AI/data analytics focus: a great middle ground if you want both the business vocabulary and tech fluency
Government + Statistics or Data Science minor: especially powerful if you're drawn toward policy analysis or research-heavy roles
But more important than any of this is to pick something that piques your interest and curiosity. The best advice I can give is to follow what you want to learn about. Even if the future career value may not be apparent now, following your interests and passions is always valuable.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
195
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I majored in Political Science and minored in history,
I spent thirty-eight years teaching assorted classes in American Government and Politics at the college level.
I followed that by teaching modern European history (French Revolution and on) in middle school to students who spoke English as a second language.
But today? Time has moved on. At the moment, as far as I can foresee, doing government and politics/history would be in front of a classroom at perhaps the high school level.
Today it appears to be finance and AI that offers opportunities in the job market. And there's always law.
I may be in error, but that;'s my take on it.
I spent thirty-eight years teaching assorted classes in American Government and Politics at the college level.
I followed that by teaching modern European history (French Revolution and on) in middle school to students who spoke English as a second language.
But today? Time has moved on. At the moment, as far as I can foresee, doing government and politics/history would be in front of a classroom at perhaps the high school level.
Today it appears to be finance and AI that offers opportunities in the job market. And there's always law.
I may be in error, but that;'s my take on it.
Sean Flores
Senior Consultant - SuccessFactors
3
Answers
Lake Wylie, SC
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Without sounding too cliche, the best option that yields results is getting started (as you have with questioning your path). As it pertains to a double-major, the schooling isn't wholly what gets you in the door with Consulting. I have my graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, but professionally, I consult on a specific technology indirectly related to my schooling. Similar to the prompt, I sought to find a direct correlate but time has taught me that only part of the battle is what program you choose and what school you graduate from.
As mentioned in a previous comment, the consulting market is shifting to adopt more nuanced methods, technology, and strategies within the consulting space. For instance, AI technology has a strong presence in the consulting sphere and may change how consulting is practiced. With that in mind, a Business major would be of great benefit, as it teaches and establishes some baseline operating principles and practices in the Business sector. Furthermore, while that is a primary focus in schooling, it would be advantageous to begin focusing on 1.) what area/sector of consulting would best suit you and where your interests primarily are (i.e. software consulting, AI, change management, etc.) and 2.) personability skills (i.e. crisp/confident communication, networking ability, etc.).
Remember, getting started by having the necessary conversations and asking relevant questions is a great step in getting where you want to be.
As mentioned in a previous comment, the consulting market is shifting to adopt more nuanced methods, technology, and strategies within the consulting space. For instance, AI technology has a strong presence in the consulting sphere and may change how consulting is practiced. With that in mind, a Business major would be of great benefit, as it teaches and establishes some baseline operating principles and practices in the Business sector. Furthermore, while that is a primary focus in schooling, it would be advantageous to begin focusing on 1.) what area/sector of consulting would best suit you and where your interests primarily are (i.e. software consulting, AI, change management, etc.) and 2.) personability skills (i.e. crisp/confident communication, networking ability, etc.).
Remember, getting started by having the necessary conversations and asking relevant questions is a great step in getting where you want to be.
Amanda Rurak
Social impact
10
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
I think a double major is a great idea to pair with a Government degree. You can explore various opportunities that could give you a leg up in your career search post college. A business double major would be a good idea given applicability to many options after graduation. Pairing a more theoretical major with something more practical seems like a really great idea and provides you with options.
Justin Sprinkle
Consultant
3
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Justin’s Answer
I found myself in a similar position in college. My major was History and my minor was Political Science.
I had no issue breaking into consulting with these degrees, and I would actually argue that they help set you apart in a field that is largely dominated by business degrees.
That is not to say there are not hurdles, but no degree truly prepares you for the work you will do as a professional, it just serves as a base to build off of.
I now find myself in a place where I do work for the Federal Government, my background and understanding of Political Science has helped me feel more comfortable working with government clients and understanding the nuances of the space when compared to commercial consulting.
I had no issue breaking into consulting with these degrees, and I would actually argue that they help set you apart in a field that is largely dominated by business degrees.
That is not to say there are not hurdles, but no degree truly prepares you for the work you will do as a professional, it just serves as a base to build off of.
I now find myself in a place where I do work for the Federal Government, my background and understanding of Political Science has helped me feel more comfortable working with government clients and understanding the nuances of the space when compared to commercial consulting.
Aleksandra Davis
Technology Consulting
5
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Aleksandra’s Answer
I have benefited from combining knowledge, for example if you are interested in global government like international affairs, try combining pol sci major with foreign language minor!