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I intend to study political science in college
What is one thing you wish you knew before taking this course? Thank you! #college #college-major #politicalscience
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4 answers
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Amritha’s Answer
Hi Connie,
Fascinating question. One thing I wish I knew before going into PoliSci/IR is the area in which I want to make the most impact in.
PoliSci is strong yet demanding in the areas of change, what I mean by this is that it would make things much easier if you focused your niche or understanding on a particular trend/issue/region during university.
By doing so, you would be able to;
1. Understand the impact and where you want to place yourself (career-wise) upon graduating ( Corporate, NGO/NPO, Think Tanks, Government)
2. You will be able to study at a university that specializes in the given niche ( FAFSA offers loans to students wanting to study outside of the US-which is what I did)
3. You would be able to offer updated and current affairs solutions based on your educated expertise and would be paid generously.
Fascinating question. One thing I wish I knew before going into PoliSci/IR is the area in which I want to make the most impact in.
PoliSci is strong yet demanding in the areas of change, what I mean by this is that it would make things much easier if you focused your niche or understanding on a particular trend/issue/region during university.
By doing so, you would be able to;
1. Understand the impact and where you want to place yourself (career-wise) upon graduating ( Corporate, NGO/NPO, Think Tanks, Government)
2. You will be able to study at a university that specializes in the given niche ( FAFSA offers loans to students wanting to study outside of the US-which is what I did)
3. You would be able to offer updated and current affairs solutions based on your educated expertise and would be paid generously.
Thank you so much for your insights! I really appreciate it!
Connie
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi Connie!
My major back in undergrad was International Relations with a concentration in political economy. I ended up working in finance instead once I graduated which isn't the typical route for a liberal arts student but I did learn some valuable things which I hope can offer you some insight in pursuing a PoliSci major:
1. A PoliSci major is a stepping stone for most who wish to go to law school, pursue a masters in public policy (and eventually get a PhD), or head straight into working for a government department/NGO/NPO. The major itself provides more of a broad overview into the different areas of political science which is why it's important you find a specific area or focus that you see yourself working in after college. I had friends that focused in national security, foreign policy, or a specific country/region.
2. If you have the chance, try getting a minor in a language. Knowing a 2nd or 3rd language is critical for those interested in foreign policy or working overseas for a think tank/NGO/NPO. My major required we learned a language and completed a certain amount of language class credits. This not only helps make you a good candidate, but you learn the culture and history of a country/region you will be working in/around.
3. Much of the entry level positions out of college are competitive to get and do not pay as well as people think. The pay is sort of offset by the government benefits but it's important to know that the candidates entering these positions are in for the long run and plan to make it a lifelong career. Networking is key, as some opportunities are not always posted online but spread by word of mouth.
4. Lastly, this major teaches you the history and basics of government/policy. The material you read and learn those 4 yrs will only scratch the surface. The real world is always changing and there will always be new conflicts, whether political, economic, or cultural. You will be doing both interesting and dull research but the solutions created make this career worth it for some.
Hope that helps!
My major back in undergrad was International Relations with a concentration in political economy. I ended up working in finance instead once I graduated which isn't the typical route for a liberal arts student but I did learn some valuable things which I hope can offer you some insight in pursuing a PoliSci major:
1. A PoliSci major is a stepping stone for most who wish to go to law school, pursue a masters in public policy (and eventually get a PhD), or head straight into working for a government department/NGO/NPO. The major itself provides more of a broad overview into the different areas of political science which is why it's important you find a specific area or focus that you see yourself working in after college. I had friends that focused in national security, foreign policy, or a specific country/region.
2. If you have the chance, try getting a minor in a language. Knowing a 2nd or 3rd language is critical for those interested in foreign policy or working overseas for a think tank/NGO/NPO. My major required we learned a language and completed a certain amount of language class credits. This not only helps make you a good candidate, but you learn the culture and history of a country/region you will be working in/around.
3. Much of the entry level positions out of college are competitive to get and do not pay as well as people think. The pay is sort of offset by the government benefits but it's important to know that the candidates entering these positions are in for the long run and plan to make it a lifelong career. Networking is key, as some opportunities are not always posted online but spread by word of mouth.
4. Lastly, this major teaches you the history and basics of government/policy. The material you read and learn those 4 yrs will only scratch the surface. The real world is always changing and there will always be new conflicts, whether political, economic, or cultural. You will be doing both interesting and dull research but the solutions created make this career worth it for some.
Hope that helps!
Updated
Lennon’s Answer
Hey Connie!
Great question. One thing that I am glad I knew before studying political science in college is that it's important to find a way to study something that helps you to understand the general landscape and develop your critical thinking in your interest areas within political science. I'm a dual major student in Business Administration and Philosophy, Politics, and Law. Originally, I though instead of PPL, I would take the more general political science. But if you can find a university that allows you take a major within the social sciences that helps you to look at political science critically, it will be a great way to get your wheels turning. For example, in my PPL degree, I am able to study political science more generally, but also take courses that force me critically think about political science issues through the lens of philosophical analysis. It's been a very enriching approach for. Hope this helps!
Great question. One thing that I am glad I knew before studying political science in college is that it's important to find a way to study something that helps you to understand the general landscape and develop your critical thinking in your interest areas within political science. I'm a dual major student in Business Administration and Philosophy, Politics, and Law. Originally, I though instead of PPL, I would take the more general political science. But if you can find a university that allows you take a major within the social sciences that helps you to look at political science critically, it will be a great way to get your wheels turning. For example, in my PPL degree, I am able to study political science more generally, but also take courses that force me critically think about political science issues through the lens of philosophical analysis. It's been a very enriching approach for. Hope this helps!
Updated
Quinci’s Answer
When I first took a political science class I wish I would of registered earlier for it because the class was completely full and had a long wait list so I didn’t get a seat that semester. So my point is to make sure you register early for political science class because it fills up fast.
Thank you for your answer! I will definitely keep that in mind!
Connie