By Ellie Santonato
“Bright Outlook Careers” refer to occupations or professions that are projected to have a significant growth rate, high demand for workers, or promising job opportunities in the future. These careers typically offer favorable prospects for employment, advancement, or earning potential due to factors such as technological advancements, demographic trends, or changes in the economy.
Welcome to a new blogpost series by the Education, Human Services, and Government Career Community that helps students and alumni explore careers within their area of study.
Political Science at DePaul University explores how people, groups, and institutions within government and the broader political system organize and behave. Our daily lives are deeply intertwined with the political realm, impacting our personal and communal welfare. Developing a fundamental grasp of the decisions, policies, and emergencies confronting us domestically and internationally is essential for addressing these challenges. Political Science serves as a vital tool in tackling these issues.
Political Science students can find themselves working in many different industries post-graduation. The top three being Government (divided between Local, State, and Federal), Education, and Business (Finance, Human Resources, and Consulting). The transferable skills and knowledge that can be leveraged into any field of work or industry. Here’s how you can use your Political Science degree to become any of the following Bright Outlook Careers:
Communication Skills: Political Science programs often emphasize strong communication skills, both written and verbal. These skills are valuable for conveying ideas clearly and persuasively in various professional contexts.
Research Skills: Political Science involves a lot of research, data analysis, and critical thinking. These skills are highly relevant in roles that require gathering and analyzing information to make informed decisions.
Understanding of Government and Policy: Political Science graduates often have a solid understanding of government structures, policies, and regulations. This knowledge can be valuable in industries where compliance with regulations is essential.
Interpersonal Skills: Political Science programs typically involve discussions, debates, and collaborations. These experiences can help you develop strong interpersonal skills, which are crucial for working effectively with diverse groups of people.
Analytical Skills: Political Science students often learn how to analyze complex issues, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. These analytical skills are valuable in roles that involve problem-solving and decision-making.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Politics is dynamic, and so is the professional world. Your ability to adapt to changing circumstances, think on your feet, and find creative solutions can serve you well in various career paths.
Government & Public Administration
Planning and performing government functions at the local, state and federal levels, including governance, national security, foreign service, planning, revenue and taxation, and regulations.
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
As an Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officer one could observe and assess adherence to equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to guarantee that both employment practices and contractual agreements provide equal opportunities regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. Political science education provides skills relevant to roles as Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers:
- Policy analysis abilities aid in ensuring compliance with equal opportunity laws and regulations.
- Advocacy training supports promoting diversity and equity within organizations.
- Understanding of government structures helps navigate legal frameworks related to equal opportunity.
- Research and data analysis skills assist in identifying areas for improvement in diversity initiatives.
- Communication and advocacy expertise are essential for educating employees and advocating for fair treatment.
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
In a Regulatory Affairs Specialist role one could organize and record internal regulatory procedures, including internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. Additionally, may gather and organize materials for submission to regulatory authorities. Political science education equips individuals with skills relevant to Regulatory Affairs Specialists:
- Policy analysis abilities assist in understanding and navigating regulatory frameworks.
- Familiarity with government structures aids in engaging with regulatory agencies and policymakers.
- Research and analytical skills are valuable for assessing regulatory impacts and developing compliance strategies.
- Advocacy and communication expertise support effective engagement with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
- Ethical considerations learned in political science programs inform decision-making in regulatory compliance efforts.
Financial Examiners
As a Financial Examiner you will ensure adherence to laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions, as well as financial and real estate transactions. Tasks may include examining, verifying, or authenticating records to uphold compliance standards. Political science education offers skills relevant to Financial Examiners:
- Policy analysis aids in understanding financial regulations and their societal impact.
- Understanding of government structures assists in collaboration with regulatory agencies.
- Ethical considerations inform decision-making in financial regulation and enforcement.
- Research and analytical skills support conducting examinations and analyzing financial data.
- Communication and advocacy abilities facilitate effective communication and stakeholder education on compliance issues.
Human Services
Preparing individuals for employment in careers that relate to families and human needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care and consumer services.
Credit Counselors
A role as a Credit Counselor one will provide guidance and education to individuals or entities regarding the acquisition and management of debt. This may involve advising on loan types, explaining loan terms and conditions, assisting in debt management planning, developing student financial aid packages, offering credit counseling, or providing advice on budgeting, mortgages, bankruptcy, or student financial aid. There is a growing niche of credit counseling surrounding housing policy and affordability.
Political science education equips Credit Counselors with skills in policy analysis to understand financial regulations’ broader impacts. Advocacy and social justice principles inform Credit Counselors’ work, aiding in fair lending practices and assisting marginalized groups. Familiarity with government programs enables Credit Counselors to guide clients through available financial assistance options.Communication and advocacy skills acquired in political science programs aid Credit Counselors in effectively conveying advice and advocating for clients’ interests.
Education & Training
Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services.
Archivists
As an Archivist one will assess, revise, and oversee the preservation of permanent records and historically significant documents. Engage in research endeavors utilizing archival materials. With a Political Science degree one will be able to understand and assess the significance of historical documents with an understanding of policy analysis. Knowledge of historical research supports research endeavors within archival contexts. Ethical considerations learned in Political Science programs help navigate issues of access and confidentiality in archival work.
Familiarity with public administration is beneficial for managing records in public sector organizations. Many of the over 5,267 archivists currently employed in the United States find themselves working at The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), which assists Federal agencies in determining which government records should be kept and which may be destroyed.
Finance
Planning, services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management.
Treasurers and Controllers
In a role as an organizational Treasurer and Controller one will oversee and manage various financial operations, including strategic planning, purchasing, and investment management, across either the entirety or specific divisions of an organization. This role involves making decisions regarding budgeting, sourcing goods and services, and allocating financial resources to maximize organizational performance and achieve long-term goals. A political science background offers valuable skills for roles as Treasurers and Controllers such as:
- Analytical abilities honed through studying complex political systems aid in financial data analysis.
- Understanding of government structures and policies helps navigate regulatory environments.
- Knowledge of budgeting and financial planning translates to creating and managing organizational budgets.
- Communication and negotiation skills are beneficial for presenting financial reports and negotiating agreements.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential for addressing complex financial challenges.
Business Management & Administration
Planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations.
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists manage programs related to employee compensation and benefits, including job analysis. Their expertise may extend to specialized areas such as position classification and pension programs. While not directly linked, a background in political science can offer valuable skills like policy analysis, understanding of organizational dynamics, research and analytical capabilities, as well as effective communication and advocacy skills.
Training and Development Specialists
As a Training and Development Specialist you can expect to create or facilitate job-related training and development initiatives aimed at enhancing individual competencies or organizational effectiveness. Tasks may include assessing organizational training requirements and assessing the impact of training programs. While not directly linked, a Political Science student’s analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills gained from their education can contribute to success in the Training and Development field.
Sustainability Specialists
With a career in Sustainability Specialists you will address concerns regarding organizational sustainability, including managing waste streams, implementing eco-friendly building practices, and developing plans for environmentally conscious procurement. As a Political Science major would be able to use the transferable skills to:
- Advocacy capabilities enable graduates to influence sustainability policies and regulations.
- Research proficiency aids in analyzing environmental policies and assessing the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives.
- Understanding of international relations can inform efforts to address global sustainability challenges.
- Proficiency in public engagement supports raising awareness and fostering community involvement in sustainability endeavors.
- Knowledge of policy processes facilitates the implementation of sustainability initiatives within various sectors.
In closing, exploring Bright Outlook Careers is crucial for students and alumni to navigate the evolving landscape of employment opportunities. With a foundational understanding of fields like Political Science, individuals can harness their skills and knowledge to thrive in diverse industries, shaping the future of society and their own professional trajectories.
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Need more guidance on utilizing your tools when it comes to future experiences. Whether you’re a senior looking for post graduate opportunities, an alumni looking for a new opportunity or a student looking for employment opportunities, we are here to help you. Book an appointment with Ellie, or another member of the advising community through Handshake, or by calling the front desk at (773) 325-7431.