Political Scientist

Your Fit

Income

$132K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

6.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Political Scientist?

A Political Scientist studies the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They research political ideas, analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

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The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Political Scientist.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Political Scientist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$72K per year	$97K per year	$132K per year	$168K per year	$184K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $84K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Political Scientist do?

Work environment

Political Scientists typically work in government, for non-profit organizations, in higher education, or for private sector research firms. Their work often involves research, policy analysis, and teaching. Many Political Scientists also engage in writing reports and publishing their findings.

Quick task list

Conducts research on political subjects such as government policies, political trends, and ideologies.
Analyzes the structure and operation of governments and political entities.
Evaluates the effects of policies and laws on government, businesses, and people.
Develops political theories based on research and historical documents.
Advises political organizations, government officials, or media on political strategies and issues.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Comparative Politics: Studying and comparing political systems across different countries.
International Relations: Focusing on relationships between countries, including foreign policy and global issues.
Political Theory: Examining political ideas and philosophies.
Public Policy: Analyzing government decisions and policies and their impacts.
American Politics: Specializing in the political system and behavior in the United States.

Description

Political Scientists contribute vital insights into the functioning of political systems and their impact on societies. They use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand political dynamics and to forecast political, social, and economic trends. This role often involves analyzing data, developing theories, and evaluating the effectiveness of different political strategies and policies.

The profession requires excellent analytical skills, as Political Scientists must be able to interpret complex data and political documents. Strong communication skills are also important, both for presenting findings and for publishing research. Many Political Scientists engage in teaching, which involves shaping the next generation of political thinkers and practitioners.

A career in political science is intellectually stimulating and offers the opportunity to influence and contribute to discussions on important political issues. Political Scientists often find themselves at the forefront of understanding current events and predicting future political trends, making their work both challenging and impactful.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the understanding and improvement of political systems.
Engaging with intellectually stimulating and current political issues.
Influencing public policy and political thought.

You might make a good Political Scientist if you are...

Intrigued by politics, government systems, and public policies.
Skilled in research and analysis with a strong attention to detail.
Interested in developing and testing political theories.
Adept at clear and persuasive writing and speaking.
Eager to engage in the political discourse and educate others.

Pros:

Opportunity to impact political thought and public policy.
Diverse career paths in government, academia, and private sector.
Engaging in varied research and analysis on dynamic and current topics.

Cons:

Potentially high level of competition, especially in academia.
Need for extensive education and specialization.
Pressure to publish and contribute original research.

How to become a Political Scientist

Typical education

Most positions in this field require a master's degree or Ph.D. in political science, public administration, or a related field. This means around 6-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Government and Politics to understand basic political structures.
History for a background in political developments.
Statistics and Mathematics for data analysis skills.
English and Writing to develop communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining debate clubs or Model United Nations.
Volunteering in political campaigns or community organizations.
Engaging in student government to gain practical experience in politics.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, or a related field.
Consider internships with government agencies, political organizations, or non-profits.
Obtain a master's degree or Ph.D. in political science or a related field for advanced research and teaching positions.
Gain practical experience through volunteering, internships, or working with research institutions.

More resources

American Political Science Association (APSA) - Provides resources for education and career development in political science.
International Political Science Association (IPSA) - Offers a platform for international dialogue in political science.
Pew Research Center - A nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes, and trends shaping the world.
The Political Methodologist - A blog discussing methods in political science research.
RealClearPolitics - A source for political news, polls, and analysis.

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