Government: Careers

Many with a degree in government do take jobs in their federal, state or their local governments, and many choose careers in public service. However, with a liberal arts education there are many professions that one is qualified to pursue with a degree in government. For example, many go on to pursue a career in law or law enforcement, others become teachers/professors, journalists, or even business professionals. Below are some resources to help you research career opportunities for government majors.

• USAJOBS - This is the official job listings site of the federal government. The site contains thousands of job and internship listings.
• Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers - The Pathways Programs are for current students and recent graduates. Internships and jobs are posted on the site, as well as tips on how to find and apply for government positions.
• American Political Science Association(APSA) - The APSA is a professional organization of political scientists. The site is a wealth of information about the field of political science, including career information in the field.

Skills

The study of government allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.

Critical Thinking

• Synthesizing themes from diverse source
• Ability to interpret social and political data
• Integrating of theory and practice

Communication

• Public speaking
• Presenting written information clearly and concisely
• Ability to express multiple viewpoints

Research

• Research design, implementation and evaluation
• Examination of theory
• Ability to utilize various online research resources

From the Cawley Career Education Center at Georgetown University