Political Science is a branch of social science which teaches a student about the state, global politics and government. Not only in India, but this course is one of the most opted courses around the globe as well. Political Science deals with the working of the state, government, various agencies, and how one can use the theoretical knowledge about one’s country in the real or practical world for the betterment of the same.
Greek Philosopher Aristotle defined political science as “It is the course that deals with the study of the state.” The way politics is changing around the globe, people need someone who can tell them what is going on around them? We need people who can question every stage of politics and where it’s leading our country. Political scientists have become so important today that they can be seen participating in every political debate on every news channel.
Unlike, other courses like medical or engineering, a student from any academic background can learn the depths and insights of this subject.
Career Options and Jobs for Political Science Graduates
After graduating one can look for jobs in both government (public) and private sector. In the public sector one can look for jobs in the fields of:
| Career Options for Political Science Graduates | |
|---|---|
| Civil Services (Indian Administrative Services, Indian Foreign Services) | Bank Manager/Clerk |
| Journalism | Political Scientist |
| Secretary to various government departments and agencies | Election and Campaign Manager |
| Political content developer | Teacher |
| NGO | Policy Analyst |
| Legislative Assistant | Public Relations Specialist |
| Social Media Manager | Marketing Research Analyst |
| Political Consultant | Attorney |
| Intelligence Analyst | Public Opinion Analyst |
| Communications Director | Corporate Manager |
| Survey Analyst | Foreign Service Officer |
| Human Rights Activists | Legal Adviser to Political Parties |
You can always go for a Masters in Political Science after that you are eligible to sit for the NET exam which opens other opportunities like Assistant Professor in colleges.
Political Science helps students drive their career with a multitude of exciting opportunities. The study of political science is an ideal choice for students keen on understanding and evaluating the functions of politics, the government, and society. Political Science is a perfect subject for anyone interested in learning how political systems function, as well as those who aspire to develop essential critical thinking and analytical skills. These reasons make political science among the most sought–after majors among humanities students today. Listed below are some great career options for a career in Political Science that students can explore. Let’s discuss some political science
Career Options in Political Science
Civil servants are the steel frame of India. They are behind the successful implementation of policies and administration. They work from the ground level to develop the country and take it forward through their efforts and vision. Becoming an IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), or IFS (Indian Foreign Services) officer is considered one of the most respectable professions in India.
A career in civil services also offers a chance to bring about radical and positive changes in India’s fabric, since officers play an important role in the execution of law and order in the country.
Interestingly, Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of the optional subjects for the UPSC exam, the aspiring bureaucrats who already have an education background in political science grab the PSIR concepts quicker than the rest. For anyone considering appearing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam, a thorough knowledge of Political Science is a must, and studying the subject at the undergraduate level can immensely help aspirants.
Political Science majors develop strong critical thinking, writing, and research skills, along with an in-depth knowledge of public policy, all of which are essential requirements for applying for the role of a policy analyst. The job of policy analysts is to evaluate the impacts of adopting a policy and use the analysis to devise arguments that either support or discredit the implementation. They do extensive research on the existing situation, identify the problems, and come up with solutions. They should be having strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
This is a great career option for Political Science graduates, as students possess the necessary proficiency in the political and legislative processes of the country and are an excellent fit for the job.
The laws of the Indian state, as well as the Indian Constitution, form a significant component of the syllabus of Political Science. This makes the students of the subject ideal for pursuing law following the completion of their studies, given how they already have an in-depth knowledge regarding the fundamentals of the discipline.
Although both of them are two different fields of study but having studied political science is an added advantage to law students. A fair understanding of political sciencegives a good perspective of political behavior, political activities, and theories.This is a great career option for Political Science graduates, as students possess the necessary proficiency in the political and legislative processes of the country and are an excellent fit for the job.
Most people are unaware of the fact that Members of Parliament and other elected representatives and officials often hire assistants who can help them with their legislative duties.
These hires are professionally known as legislative assistants, who work in close collaboration with our MPs to research on policy issues, pending legislation, inquire into the problems of citizens within the jurisdiction of their employers, and coordinate and communicate with other officials of the jurisdiction.
The legislative assistants also prepare reports and maintain data on the undergoing issues, development, and implementation of the policies for the MPs. This data is not generic but rather related to the constituency of these ministers. This gives a rational perspective to the ministers so they could do the work effectively.
From political candidates, officials, and parties to interest groups, every individual or organisation in the public eye needs a strong social media presence. Their presence further needs to be managed by social media experts who understand politics and current issues well.
This is where political science graduates can leverage their knowledge of what constitutes a positive public image and opinion, and formulate and implement plans to shape and enhance their clients’ social media campaigns.
With the advent of social media, having a positive social media presence and image is pertinent. Social media is working as a tool to bridge the gap between legislators and citizens. It is a good career scope in political science because the manager can do a need analysis basis their educational background and strategise relevant content on the page. Relevancy of the content enhances the connection and thus creates popularity among the people.
A good political journalist is someone who has profound expertise in politics and aspires to use it to increase public awareness about the same across different media. Political Science graduates make excellent political journalists, reporters, and correspondents, given their competence in politics and their understanding of the political environment.
Whether students choose to supplement their undergraduate degree with a degree or diploma in journalism or mass communication or start working directly after graduation, journalism is a fantastic career option for Political Science graduates. Political science students can choose to up skill themselves by doing a degree or diploma in either journalism or mass communication. They could choose to work in the industry right after they complete graduation. Journalism is a fantastic career option for political science graduates
Political science graduates are required to study the flow of power in political systems, which allow them to understand how to market a particular product across geographies to maximize its impact.
Therefore, they develop a knack for marketing jobs, which provides another career option in Political Science, since they can quickly and effortlessly analyse how consumers of a specific demographic will respond to the product through their knowledge of research methodologies. Students can pursue an MBA or enter into the marketing industry right after their graduation. Marketing has a process of STP (Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning), it plays a very big role in making a product successful. In order to market a product correctly in the right demography, with right
Pricing makes or breaks the demand for a product.
Students who enjoy gaining more knowledge about the subject can consider teaching at the school or college level as a career option in Political Science. At the school level, teachers are required to hold a B.Ed. degree, along with an MA in political science, while at the college level, teachers need to qualify examinations such as UGC NET/ SET and/or hold a Ph.D.
For graduates who are inclined towards academia, teaching is a suitable career in political science. Based on their preference they could either choose to teach in the school or for higher education.
Intelligence analysts work for government agencies like the CBI. They utilise their knowledge of political science to analyse all levels and parameters of development in the country’s volatile regions, which requires their specific knowledge and skill set.
Their work also includes making reports on groups that may pose a threat to national security, study patterns of leadership and public response, and present their findings in a conclusive manner. This opens a good career scope in political science.
A political campaign staff’s job profile is the same as that of a social media manager, except that this work is done mostly offline. Political campaign staff members prepare press releases and draft speeches for their clients, design and execute campaign strategies, analyse current political issues, study public reactions to cultivate their client’s image, and organise fundraisers for the campaign
Public relations representatives or specialists are people who act as mediators between their clients and the public through various platforms of the media. From organising press releases and conferences to managing campaigns, events, and public appearances, the profession requires astute critical skills of researching, writing, and analysing to promote their client’s image, something that political science majors possess in abundance.
