Career Paths with a Degree in Communications and Political Science

Obtaining a degree in communications and political science opens up a vast array of career opportunities. This interdisciplinary program equips students with a unique set of skills that are highly sought after in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. Whether your interests lie in writing, politics, or administrative roles, the breadth of career paths available is extensive.

1. Journalism: Putting Your Writing Skills to Work

One of the most obvious career paths for a communications and political science graduate is journalism. This field allows you to leverage your strong writing and research skills while telling stories that inform, inspire, and engage the public. Journalists can work in various formats, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and digital media platforms.

Subfields in Journalism

Journalism can be further specialized into different areas such as investigative reporting, editorial writing, and multimedia storytelling. Investigative reporters dive deep into complex issues, uncovering truths that might otherwise go unnoticed. Editorial writers contribute to publications, providing analysis and commentary on current events. Multimedia storytelling involves combining different mediums like text, video, and audio to present a comprehensive narrative.

2. Politics: Serving at the Heart of Government and Policy

If serving in politics or policy-making speaks to your aspirations, a career in this field is an excellent choice. While you can pursue elected office, the vast majority of jobs in the political arena are behind the scenes, where your analytical and social skills are highly valued. Here are a few roles within the political sector:

Legislative Aides and Policy Analysts

Legislative aides and policy analysts work closely with elected officials to develop and implement policies. They research and analyze data, write speeches and reports, and often serve as an intermediary between the legislative body and the public or other organizations. These roles require a deep understanding of political processes and the ability to navigate complex systems.

Pollsters and Policy Researchers

Pollsters and policy researchers are vital in gathering public opinion and conducting in-depth research to inform policy decisions. They use surveys, focus groups, and other methods to collect data, and then analyze and interpret it. These professionals are crucial in crafting and refining policies that reflect the needs and desires of the community.

3. Back Office and Administrative Roles

Many graduates find rewarding careers in the 'back office' of political institutions and political parties. These roles are essential in supporting the daily operations and ensuring the smooth running of the organization. Key areas of focus include:

Legislative Support Staff

Legislative support staff assist in constituent services, event coordination, and administrative tasks. They help maintain the office's daily operations, manage correspondence, and handle public inquiries. These roles require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work collaboratively with various departments.

Political Advisors

Political advisors provide expert counsel to politicians on strategic and tactical issues. They work on campaign planning, voter outreach, and issue advocacy. Political advisors must be adept at analyzing data, crafting persuasive messages, and building coalitions, often leading to a direct impact on policy outcomes.

Party and Campaign Staff

Party and campaign staff assist in organizing and executing political campaigns. They handle logistics, voter registration, and grassroots organizing. These roles require a strong personality, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

Conclusion

With a degree in communications and political science, the possibilities are endless. Whether you wish to tell powerful stories as a journalist, shape policies as a political analyst, or support the operations of political institutions, your skills and knowledge are highly valued in these fields. Each role offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact while providing a rewarding career path.