15 early career jobs that map well to political science majors

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying career options, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to reach your goals. For political science majors, career mapping is especially valuable because this field offers a wide range of opportunities in government, law, public policy, international relations, and even business. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get lost in the many potential career paths.

With a political science degree, you might start in roles such as legislative assistant, policy analyst, public affairs specialist, or campaign staffer. If you’re interested in law, you could pursue law school to become an attorney or work in legal research and advocacy. Other paths include government agencies, non-profit organizations, or roles in international affairs, such as working for the United Nations or a diplomatic service. Political science majors also thrive in corporate roles like lobbying, corporate social responsibility, and political consulting. Career mapping helps you determine whether additional education, such as a master’s in public administration or international relations, will be beneficial and how to gain relevant experience to advance. It’s not just about understanding politics—it’s about using that knowledge to influence change and build a meaningful career.

We recently reached out to 15 hiring experts to ask them to share examples of jobs that map well to political science degrees for those who are early in their careers.

• Apply to Work as a Legislative Intern
• Consider Becoming a Crisis Communications Consultant
• Start a Career as a Public Relations Specialist
• Explore Marketing Positions for Political Science Majors
• Excel as a Social Media Manager
• Become a Legislative Research Assistant
• Work as an Ethics and Compliance Intern
• Apply for Paralegal or Legal Assistant Roles
• Gain Experience as a Legal Research Assistant
• Work as a Sustainability Policy Research Assistant
• Become a Community Outreach Coordinator
• Consider a Role as a Crisis Mapping Analyst
• Think About Becoming a Legislative Assistant
• Pursue Executive Leadership Roles in the C-Suite
• Political Science Provides a Path to Law

Apply to Work as a Legislative Intern

Students majoring in political science should apply to work as a Legislative Intern, because it can give them a front-row seat to the inner workings of government and public affairs. These roles offer hands-on experience in government operations, policy research, and serving constituents, making them an ideal fit for students interested in public service, law, or policymaking. They also provide valuable opportunities to network with lawmakers and public officials, which can open doors for future careers in government, advocacy, or law. Plus, the research, communication, and critical thinking skills you gain are transferable to many other fields, from consulting to journalism.

Sebastian Morgan, Senior Content Specialist, CV Genius

Consider Becoming a Crisis Communications Consultant

Political Science students often excel in persuasive communication, public relations, and policy messaging. They also understand media influence, so becoming a crisis communications consultant is a natural fit and an incredibly fulfilling career path for them. 

In today’s rapidly changing world dominated by social media, the Internet gives everyone instant access to news (including fake news), and a single misstep can go viral. Therefore, there’s a growing demand for professionals who deal with PR crises and reputation management. Businesses, politicians, and public figures need experts who can craft strategic responses, manage public perception, and control the narrative when a crisis hits. And that’s when crisis consultants help—whether it’s a corporate scandal, political controversy, or social media backlash.

Many PR firms, political campaigns, and large corporations offer entry-level positions or internships in crisis communications. Students majoring in Political Sciences can start by monitoring media coverage, drafting press statements, and assisting in response strategies. Such hands-on experience will likely open doors to careers in public relations, political strategy, or corporate affairs.

Decent pay, exciting challenges, and the opportunity to shape public narratives make crisis communications a dynamic and rewarding field for Political Science students who thrive under pressure and have a knack for strategic messaging.

Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, Zety

Start a Career as a Public Relations Specialist

With a political science degree, graduates are well-suited to start their careers as public relations specialists. Having a strong understanding of how to influence public opinion, persuasive communication, and strategic messaging—all essential skills in the PR field—they are well-equipped to shape public opinion.

As a PR specialist, you’ll work on shaping public perception, managing media relations, organizing press conferences, and crafting persuasive messaging to maintain a positive image for clients. Whether in corporate PR or political PR, this role allows you to influence narratives and engage in public discourse. But don’t worry about public speaking; as new to the industry, you will probably deal more with behind-the-scenes activities.

Political PR is an excellent option for those looking to stay close to the political world. These specialists stay close to government offices, political campaigns, and advocacy organizations, playing a crucial role in election campaigns and crisis management.

Moreover, this career offers strong earning potential, with a median salary of $60,000, and opportunities to advance into roles like Campaign Manager or Director of Communications or even transition into diplomacy.

Nina Paczka, Career Expert & Community Manager, ResumeNow

Explore Marketing Positions for Political Science Majors

Based on my journey and current role in educational tech marketing, I believe marketing positions are particularly well-suited for Political Science majors. The analytical and communication skills developed while studying Political Science translate remarkably well into marketing strategy and audience engagement.

During my own career path, I’ve witnessed how understanding human behavior and societal trends—core elements of Political Science—directly benefits marketing roles. For instance, when I was tasked with expanding WeUni’s presence across different markets, my background in analyzing demographic data and understanding cultural nuances proved invaluable.

One of our most successful campaigns came from applying political campaign analysis techniques to educational marketing. We segmented our audience similar to how political strategists segment voters, resulting in a 40% increase in student engagement with our platform.

Marketing positions offer flexible hours and often include remote work options, making them ideal for students. Plus, many entry-level marketing roles accept interns with minimal experience, focusing instead on analytical abilities and communication skills—strengths that Political Science students typically possess.

For students interested in exploring this path, I recommend starting with digital marketing certifications like Google Analytics or social media management tools, which can be completed alongside their studies. These credentials, combined with their academic background, create a compelling profile for employers.

Filippo Tonello, Head of Marketing, WeUni

Excel as a Social Media Manager

Having managed multiple content teams, I’ve found that political science majors excel as social media managers for nonprofit organizations. These roles perfectly align with their analytical skills and understanding of public discourse.

I recently hired a PoliSci junior who transformed our client’s advocacy campaign by crafting compelling narratives around complex policy issues. Within three months, she increased engagement by 165% and grew the organization’s following from 2,000 to 15,000 through strategic content that broke down complicated topics into digestible posts. Her ability to analyze trends, understand audience demographics, and communicate effectively made her invaluable.

The role offers flexible hours that work around class schedules while providing real-world experience in digital communication, community management, and data analysis—skills that translate well to future career paths in policy or public affairs.

Alexander Weber, Founder, Dein Schriftgenerator

Become a Legislative Research Assistant

A legislative research assistant role makes a lot of sense for a political science student. This job involves tracking policies, summarizing legislative changes, and preparing briefings, which helps them understand how governments operate in real time. In my experience, hands-on exposure to policy work beats any classroom lecture. A student who spends 10-15 hours a week diving into real legislation gains a deeper understanding of governance than one who just reads textbooks.

That being said, the role builds critical thinking, research, and writing skills, which are essential for careers in law, public administration, or lobbying. It also gives them networking opportunities, which matter in politics. A student who connects with five or more policymakers or advisors per month is already ahead of their peers when it comes to job prospects after graduation. Plus, the research experience translates well into analytical roles outside politics, making it a solid stepping stone into various industries.

James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]

Work as an Ethics and Compliance Intern

As governments worldwide push for tech regulations, companies need individuals who understand political frameworks to assist in compliance. A political science student can play a key role as an Ethics and Compliance Intern, researching policy trends, drafting reports, and helping develop ethical guidelines for AI, data privacy, and digital markets.

This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into how legislation shapes the tech industry and offers a strong foundation for careers in law, policy, or corporate governance. It also sharpens critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

With technology evolving rapidly, having a background in political science can make a student a valuable asset in ensuring ethical and legal accountability. It’s a unique way to merge politics and technology while making a meaningful impact.

Nick Esposito, Founder, NYCServers

Apply for Paralegal or Legal Assistant Roles

Students who fall into the category of Political Science with strong legal interests should apply for work as paralegals or legal assistants. My law firm alongside numerous other legal organizations selects college students to conduct research and prepare documentation and maintain case documents. As a paralegal you will encounter genuine legal tasks that present opportunities to understand how court applications show up in real-life situations beyond book knowledge from courses.

Several firms provide legal assistants with the opportunity to attend both client conferences and legal court hearings which serve as a powerful advantage for future law school admissions. A good attention span combined with good writing capabilities matches well with the developmental traits typical of Political Science majors. The legal experience contributes directly to your acceptance in law school and makes an attractive entry on your education background. To make your application for legal jobs after graduation more competitive, secure hands-on training during school and this could be your best university choice.

Gordon Hirsch, Founder and Managing Attorney, Hirsch Law Group

Gain Experience as a Legal Research Assistant

I’ve found that working as a legal research assistant in law firms gives Political Science students invaluable real-world experience with policy analysis and legal writing. When I hired a PoliSci major last summer, she helped analyze precedent cases and draft memos, which perfectly complemented her coursework while building practical skills for her future career.

Ron Wright, Founder, Horn Wright, LLP

Work as a Sustainability Policy Research Assistant

A Political Science major with an interest in sustainability would benefit from working as a Sustainability Policy Research Assistant. Many companies, especially those focused on ethical business practices, need support in navigating environmental regulations, government incentives, and corporate sustainability reporting. Students in this role assist with research on policy trends, legislative updates, and compliance requirements that impact business decisions. 

This job offers direct exposure to how policy influences corporate strategy, making it a valuable experience for students considering careers in government relations or corporate social responsibility. College students in this role can develop strong research, analytical, and communication skills while working on real-world sustainability initiatives. Employers benefit by gaining well-informed insights on compliance and public policy trends without hiring a full-time analyst.

Jehann Biggs, President & Owner, In2Green

Become a Community Outreach Coordinator

One of the best jobs for a Political Science major in college is a community outreach coordinator for a nonprofit or advocacy group.

Political Science isn’t just about theory—it’s about people, impact, and change. Working in community outreach allows students to engage directly with the public, organize events, build relationships, and advocate for causes they care about. It’s hands-on experience in mobilizing support, crafting persuasive messaging, and understanding policy at a grassroots level, all of which are critical skills in politics, law, and public service.

We focus on matching candidates with roles that sharpen their leadership and communication skills. This kind of job doesn’t just fill a resume—it builds a foundation for a career in influence, governance, and change-making.

Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, MyTurn

Consider a Role as a Crisis Mapping Analyst

A Crisis Mapping Analyst role is a fantastic fit for a political science student who enjoys research, data visualization, and real-time analysis. Many NGOs rely on tools like Ushahidi to track political unrest, humanitarian crises, and policy changes, making this work both impactful and relevant. This job allows students to apply their knowledge of global affairs while developing technical skills in data mapping and geospatial analysis. Providing real-time insights helps organizations respond more effectively to conflicts, elections, or refugee movements. For anyone interested in international relations or humanitarian work, this experience builds a strong foundation for future careers in diplomacy, advocacy, or policy research.

Conrad Wang, Managing Director, EnableU

Think About Becoming a Legislative Assistant

If you’re deep into your Political Science degree in college, think about becoming a Legislative Assistant. Trust me, it’s like an express train to political insider knowledge. You’re right there in the thick of it backing up the folks who run our towns, states, or even the country. Your days are packed with digging up information on policies, keeping tabs on new laws, whipping up letters, and chatting with the people these laws affect. 

It’s pretty much like having a backstage pass to how laws pop out and the machine of government buzzes. Plus, you get to flex those academic muscles by taking the theories from your textbooks and throwing them into the real mess of politics. Talk about an upgrade for your analysis prowess, your way with words, and your knack for hunting down facts.

Being a legislative assistant is super cool for meeting people and checking out different political jobs. When you work with the folks who make the laws and their teams, you get to know some important people. That might help you land more internships, some awesome fellowships, or maybe even a steady job later. You get this sturdy base to build a career on, whether you want to be in government, work on public policies, fight for causes, or even stand for election yourself. Mixing the know-how you get on the job, the chance to make connections, and putting what you learned in class into action, a gig as a legislative assistant is pretty much perfect for a Political Science major ready to dive into their career.

Harvey Jutton, CEO & Founder, HJ Recruitment

Pursue Executive Leadership Roles in the C-Suite

As a recruiter specializing in executive placements, I regularly source candidates with backgrounds in political science. The unique skill set developed through a political science education—focused on diplomacy, strategic thinking, negotiation, and navigating complex systems—makes these individuals particularly well-suited for high-level roles in the C-suite. Political science majors are trained to understand the intricacies of human behavior, manage diverse stakeholder interests, and solve problems in dynamic, fast-paced environments—all of which are crucial traits for effective executive leadership. Their ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives, balance competing interests, and make informed decisions positions them to lead organizations with skill and foresight.

In addition to their diplomatic abilities, political science majors also bring significant experience in managing and executing large-scale initiatives, often within complex governance structures. Whether it’s crafting policy, negotiating deals, or navigating organizational challenges, they are adept at overseeing large systems and driving results. These qualities make them highly valuable assets in top leadership positions, as they can see the big picture while effectively managing the details.

For college students considering a political science major, it’s important to realize that their opportunities are not limited to government roles. While many students may naturally gravitate toward public service or politics, the private sector is also an excellent fit for their skill set. Large corporations, especially those with a global reach, are increasingly recognizing the value of political science backgrounds in executive leadership. These graduates bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and organizational strategy. Students should consider seeking roles that offer opportunities for internal advancement, as these positions allow them to further develop their talents and move into leadership roles over time. With the right career trajectory, political science majors can thrive in a wide range of executive positions across industries.

Jim Hickey, President, Perpetual Talent Solutions

Political Science Provides a Path to Law

Anyone considering law would find a perfect path in political science. When I was in school, I even thought about becoming a lawyer and understood how much the knowledge acquired at that time was valuable. Required for law school, the degree sharpens analytical skills, reading, and writing. It also teaches students how to succinctly express a point of view; a skill that will be very helpful in the legal profession.

Many professional positions, I have found, would profit tremendously from the political science-developed communication skills. These skills enable my team to provide innovative ideas and help me to tackle demanding client expectations. The law is the same; the presentation of a strong, unequivocal case distinguishes it.

Anyone interested in law will find a great foundation in this degree. It provides helpful skills that go beyond theoretical and immediately relate to pragmatic issues.

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt