Careers in Political Science
Students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Josh Franco at josue.franco@gcccd.edu to discuss career interests and opportunities. He has 5 years of professional
experience working in the California State Capitol and Washington D.C.. Dr. Franco
welcomes your inquiries and looks forward to helping you on your career journey.
There are dozens of career options for students who earn degrees in political science.
Below is a list by degree level, starting with an AA degree to a PhD degree.
Students who earn an AA-T in Political Science can pursue a wide-range of careers
in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, especially if they further their
education. Continuing your education can prepare you for a variety of positions:
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An Associates (A.A.) degree i n Political Science
- Political campaigns: city, county, special district, statewide, legislative,
Congressional, Presidential, entry-level position (i.e. Fieldwork, Get
Out The Vote, Social Media)
- Undergraduate student research assistant for a professor at 4-year
university
- Resident Assistant at 4-year university
- Student Assistant in various departments and programs at 4-year
university
- Internship (paid or unpaid) in a state legislative or congressional
office
A Bachelors (B.A.) degree in Political Science
- Political campaigns: city, county, special district, statewide, legislative,
Congressional, Presidential, entry-level or coordinator-level position
(i.e. Fieldwork, Get Out The Vote, Social Media)
- Foreign Service
- Civil service position in state government or federal government
- Political service position in State Legislatures, U.S. Senate, U.S.
House of Representatives, or the Executive Branch (i.e. Staff Assistant,
Legislative Aide, Legislative Assistant, Policy Analyst)
- Staff member at a non-profit organization or local government
A Masters (M.A.) degree in Political Science
- Instructor at college or university
- Senior civil service position in state or federal government
- Partner at Public Affairs and Lobbying firms
- Senior staff member at a non-profit organization, local government
or regional government
- Staff member at an international institution, like the United Nations
A Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Political Science
- Teaching professor at a college or university
- Research professor at a college or university
- Senior management role/civil service position in local, state or federal
government
- Fellow at a research institute or think tank
- Consultant for local, state, and national organizations, campaigns,
or industries
AA-T in POSC
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as a research assistant to
a professor, grant administrator, or institutional research officer
at your college or university . You can serve in the following areas:
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Local Government
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level
staff member to a local elected or appointed official, such as
a City Council Member or City Clerk
City of El Cajon City Council
City of El Cajon Public Commissions
County of San Diego Student Worker Internships
State Government
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry
staff member to a state elected or appointed official, such
as a statewide constitutional officer, State Senator or Assembly
Member member, or a statewide or regional board official
Office of California State Assembly Member Dr. Akilah Jones
Federal Government
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level
staff member to a federal elected or appointed official, such
as a U.S. Senator or U.S. Congress Member Office of the Fiftieth Congressional District of California
Non-Profit Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as an intern or entry
staff member at a local or regional non-profit organization.
Businesses
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level
staff person at a small, medium, or large business, particularly
in their external affairs, governmental affairs, or regulatory affairs
department.
Think Tanks
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level
staff member at a regional, state, or national think tank.
International Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as an intern or entry-level
staff member at a government or non-governmental international organization.
