5 Career Options After a Degree in Political Science
It is often believed that choosing to study Political Science as a Major is building a foundation to enter into the field of politics itself. However, this is not always the case.
Political Science is the study of government and political institutions on various levels. The undergraduate B.A. Political Science (Hons.) degree is a three year course in India that covers the theory and application of politics, political systems and the governments. One pursuing this course gets a chance to study the social, economic and political lives of people at national and global levels and learn about various political values, processes, policies, and institutions. Pressing global issues that a society struggles with like war, freedom, order, justice and equality are studied thoroughly in Political Science, as well as the concept of distribution of power and resources. A degree in Political Science does not just enhance your knowledge in the above concepts but also boosts critical thinking skills, reasoning ability, research aptitude, and analytical capability.
In Political Science, one is taught about political systems at national and international levels, famous political thinkers and the Indian Constitution. The course gives an introduction to the concept of political theory and the basic concepts of comparative politics. It also teaches how state and power are interconnected and interpreted in different countries.
In the Indian context, it teaches about the impact of colonialism and nationalism on political, social and economic structures, and their contribution to Indian political thought. Apart from the Indian political scene, it also covers how political thought evolved in the western world, the need for international organizations, as well as the role that such organizations play.
Some of the specific topics that are studied in Political Science are :
- Principles of Political Science
- Indian Politics
- Contemporary Political Science
- Western & Indian Political Thinkers
- Comparative Politics
- Comparative Constitutions
- International Relations
Now that we have seen how studying Political Science gives us a broad knowledge on various aspects of the functioning of a political system, I would like to describe how Political Science is a course that opens up diverse career options ranging from one in Civil Services to being a Lawyer to a Political Adviser.
1. Civil Services-
A career in civil services such as the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IFS (Indian Foreign Services) is one of the most popular choices amongst those studying Political Science. Since many questions from the Preliminary and Mains stages are based on polity, studying political science gives an edge over other candidates in these exams. After an undergraduate degree in Political Science, the students can appear for the examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for civil services.
2. Journalism-
Newspapers, radio, television and the current popular media- the Internet have completely revolutionized the way information reaches the masses. Journalists have a very significant role to play in a democratic society and hence in the growth of any nation. The sole aim of journalism is to inform, educate and enlighten the masses on various issues around them. A vast majority of the news covered in media is related to politics. Political Science graduates have a thorough understanding of politics and the political environment which makes them ideal candidates for media roles such as political journalists, editors, and correspondents. To enter into this field, you can pursue a post-graduate course in Journalism or Mass Communication.
3. Law-
Graduating in Political Science will improve your analytical and critical thinking skills, which can help you in the field of law. Though there is a graduate level 5-year LLB course to enter into the field of law, you can still make a career in law after completing B.A. Political Science by pursuing a 3- year L.L.B. course and passing the All India Bar examination conducted by the Bar Council of India.
4. Political Scientists-
Political scientists study the origin, development and operation of political systems. They conduct research on political ideas and analyze government policies, political trends, and related issues. Political scientists usually conduct research in one of the following areas: national politics, comparative politics, international relations, or political theory. Apart from examining the present situations, political scientists also give their recommendations for steps that can be implemented. Political scientists study a wide range of topics such as how political structures differ among countries, globalization, and the history of political thought. Political scientists also work as policy analysts for organizations that have a stake in policy, such as governments, labor unions, and political groups. They evaluate current policies and events using public opinion surveys, economic data, and election results. From these sources, they try to anticipate the effects of new policies. Political scientists often study the effects of government policies on a particular region or population, both domestically and internationally. They provide information and analysis that help in planning, developing, and implementing policies. Studying political science as an undergraduate course is the first step to become a political scientist in the near future. To become a political scientist, one needs to pursue an MA degree in Political Science degree and then a PhD.
5. Marketing Research Analyst-
Political Science students study the flow of power in political systems, which allows 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 after Political Science, since they can quickly and effortlessly analyse how consumers of a specific demographic will respond to a product through their knowledge of research methodologies. Students can pursue an MBA or enter into the marketing industry right after their graduation.
There are a wide variety of career options available for students of B.A. Political Science that can cater to almost all preferences and interests while still being financially viable.All of these disciplines can be of service in various industries and fields. B.A. (H) Political Science enhances critical thinking and analytical skills which are considered as an advantage in every career option one might want to choose.
