3 answers
Violet
Student
Aumsville, Oregon
2
Questions
Asked
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How possible is it to get into a job as a politician or a Political Scientist, and what are some of the requirements?
How long does it generally take to find a job as a Political Scientist or a Politician? What kind of education should I try to get to properly prepare me for either career? How competitive is the job market for these careers?
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3 answers
Steven Wriston
Cybersecurity Compliance
1
Answer
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hello Gavin, it's a delight to see your curiosity. Having devoted 11 years of my life to White House communications and actively supporting politicians during my high school years and beyond, I can certainly share some insights. A highly effective approach is to volunteer for a politician or party that resonates with your beliefs. If the opportunity presents itself, consider volunteering for your Congressional leader in Washington, DC.
Please bear in mind, though, that this can often be a demanding role with long hours and modest pay. However, I can vouch for several individuals who have successfully navigated their way into politics through volunteering during Presidential elections. They were tasked with traveling ahead of the President to organize events. Many of these individuals held degrees in political science and this was their chosen route to success.
Remember, visibility is key. By being present and proactive, you'll meet influential people who will recognize your potential and help you climb the ladder. So, keep your spirits high and stay persistent. You're on the right track!
Please bear in mind, though, that this can often be a demanding role with long hours and modest pay. However, I can vouch for several individuals who have successfully navigated their way into politics through volunteering during Presidential elections. They were tasked with traveling ahead of the President to organize events. Many of these individuals held degrees in political science and this was their chosen route to success.
Remember, visibility is key. By being present and proactive, you'll meet influential people who will recognize your potential and help you climb the ladder. So, keep your spirits high and stay persistent. You're on the right track!
Thank you for the advice, Steven.
Violet
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
57
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
The answers above I would find very useful, if were you. They are excellent, in my opinion.
First, Political Science: I taught in the field in higher education for thirty-eight years. At the time, it was not all that difficult to find a position in higher education. However, my understanding of the current situation in higher education is that subjects in the social sciences are on a downward curve, juxtaposed to degrees in subjects of a techical nature. As in AI being the biggest at the moment, according to my understanding. Many are now teaching Political Science as adjuncts. Meaning lower pay, few benefits and no tenure. At major universities it is somewhat different. But the question is how willing (and bright) are you to manage to get your degrees from an institution that would lead you on a path to qualify to enter a department of a major educational institution.
In my opinion, your best career avenue is the second. Become involved in politics. But one must learn "the game". The old saying is "All politics is local.". That's where I would think one should start. It's not that difficult to volunteer in one's local community. Grassroots, as they say. They'll take you in. Maybe as a gofer. You will have to prove your commitment. There will be opportunities and you will learn the "ins and outs" of local politics and how that connects to the things beyond. But understand, it can be a lot of work without much in the way of positive feedback. One must prove themselves.
This does not mean that you should not go to university/college. And not just in order to major in Political Science. All the courses you will find you must take and the rigor of getting a degree will be of benefit. It always is advisable to become an educated individual. At least knowing a little about a number of things. History courses would be obvious to me. And not just centered on the United States.
Go for it. Off you go.
First, Political Science: I taught in the field in higher education for thirty-eight years. At the time, it was not all that difficult to find a position in higher education. However, my understanding of the current situation in higher education is that subjects in the social sciences are on a downward curve, juxtaposed to degrees in subjects of a techical nature. As in AI being the biggest at the moment, according to my understanding. Many are now teaching Political Science as adjuncts. Meaning lower pay, few benefits and no tenure. At major universities it is somewhat different. But the question is how willing (and bright) are you to manage to get your degrees from an institution that would lead you on a path to qualify to enter a department of a major educational institution.
In my opinion, your best career avenue is the second. Become involved in politics. But one must learn "the game". The old saying is "All politics is local.". That's where I would think one should start. It's not that difficult to volunteer in one's local community. Grassroots, as they say. They'll take you in. Maybe as a gofer. You will have to prove your commitment. There will be opportunities and you will learn the "ins and outs" of local politics and how that connects to the things beyond. But understand, it can be a lot of work without much in the way of positive feedback. One must prove themselves.
This does not mean that you should not go to university/college. And not just in order to major in Political Science. All the courses you will find you must take and the rigor of getting a degree will be of benefit. It always is advisable to become an educated individual. At least knowing a little about a number of things. History courses would be obvious to me. And not just centered on the United States.
Go for it. Off you go.
Joseph Maltby
Analysis and Management
19
Answers
Richmond, VA
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Let me take these questions separately, as each is a little complicated:
1. How long does it generally take to find a job as a Political Scientist or a Politician?
The short answer is that it depends. There are a lot of jobs you can get with a political science degree and some of them you would apply to when you graduated like any other job. Academic political scientists are typically employed by a university or other research organization and there's a specific application process for those jobs that usually requires an advanced degree. Politicians are elected or appointed, so that's not something you can apply to, though politicians have staff who are hired through a more normal process.
2. What kind of education should I try to get to properly prepare me for either career?
Again, it depends. If you want to be an academic political scientist, you need to get degrees in that field. There are a lot of jobs connected to political science that don't require that degree and you may find a valuable perspective from bringing something in from outside the field. The best way to know is to research jobs you find interesting and see what they require, plus meet people in the field.
3. How competitive is the job market for these careers?
This also depends. Academic jobs and jobs in politics are hard to get because there are few of them and they're glamorous. The farther away from that you get, the easier the job is to get. But with a good strategy, and especially if you don't have a big student loan payment that keeps you from taking low-paying entry jobs, you can get a job with a lot of competition.
1. How long does it generally take to find a job as a Political Scientist or a Politician?
The short answer is that it depends. There are a lot of jobs you can get with a political science degree and some of them you would apply to when you graduated like any other job. Academic political scientists are typically employed by a university or other research organization and there's a specific application process for those jobs that usually requires an advanced degree. Politicians are elected or appointed, so that's not something you can apply to, though politicians have staff who are hired through a more normal process.
2. What kind of education should I try to get to properly prepare me for either career?
Again, it depends. If you want to be an academic political scientist, you need to get degrees in that field. There are a lot of jobs connected to political science that don't require that degree and you may find a valuable perspective from bringing something in from outside the field. The best way to know is to research jobs you find interesting and see what they require, plus meet people in the field.
3. How competitive is the job market for these careers?
This also depends. Academic jobs and jobs in politics are hard to get because there are few of them and they're glamorous. The farther away from that you get, the easier the job is to get. But with a good strategy, and especially if you don't have a big student loan payment that keeps you from taking low-paying entry jobs, you can get a job with a lot of competition.