Career Planning for Political Science Majors

What Your Day-to-Day Might Look Like

Entry-level roles in political science-related fields can vary widely depending on the organization and position. However, many roles share a common set of activities like the ones below

• Research & Analysis

  You might spend time reading policy proposals, legislation, reports, or academic articles and turning them into clear, usable summaries. This could include identifying key arguments, tracking developments, or explaining why an issue matters to your team.

• Writing & Communication

  Many roles involve writing on a regular basis. You could be drafting memos, emails, briefing notes, or short reports. In some cases, you may also help prepare materials for public audiences, which requires translating complex ideas into clear language.

• Meetings & Coordination

  You may attend meetings, take notes, and help track next steps. Entry-level staff often help coordinate between team members, partner organizations, or community stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.

• Public Interaction

  Some roles include interacting with the public - responding to emails, helping with events, or supporting outreach efforts. These experiences can help you build communication and professionalism skills.

• Administrative Tasks

  Like most entry-level positions, some responsibilities may be more administrative. This could include organizing documents, managing schedules, or updating internal systems. These tasks are an important part of how organizations operate.

Example Projects You Might Work On

As an entry-level professional, you may contribute to a range of projects depending on your role and organization:

• Legislative Support
  • Tracking bills or policy proposals as they move through different stages
  • Preparing short summaries or briefing materials
  • Identifying key stakeholders and potential impacts
• Policy Research
  • Researching topics such as housing, healthcare, education, or environmental policy
  • Gathering information from government reports, think tanks, or academic sources
  • Writing short reports or summaries that highlight key findings
• Community Programs
  • Assisting with events, workshops, or public programs
  • Coordinating volunteers or participants
  • Supporting outreach through email, social media, or other materials
• Data & Evaluation
  • Working with basic datasets to identify trends or outcomes
  • Organizing information in tools like Excel
  • Helping teams use data to inform decisions

How to Prepare While You’re at UCR

There is no single path after graduation, but students who build experience and skills early are in a much stronger position when they enter the job market.

• Start Early

  If you wait until your final year to think about careers or internships, you will likely be behind. Many internships - especially in government, nonprofits, and policy - have early deadlines and expect some prior experience. Strong candidates often build that experience gradually over time.

• Build Experience

  Employers are not just looking for a degree—they are looking for evidence that you can apply what you’ve learned. While at UCR, you should aim to have at least one internship and one substantial research, leadership, or organizational experience. This could include:

  • Interning with local, state, or federal government offices
  • Working with nonprofit or advocacy organizations
  • Participating in faculty research or independent study
  • Taking on leadership roles in student organizations

  Even small roles can lead to more advanced opportunities if you take them seriously and build on them.

• Use Faculty and Advisors Strategically

  Networking does not mean asking strangers for jobs—it means building relationships and learning from others.

  • Create a resume and LinkedIn profile by your third year
  • Attend department events, workshops, and career fairs
  • Connect with alumni and ask about their experiences

  Many opportunities come through connections, referrals, or prior interactions—not just online applications.

• Develop Skills

  A strong transcript is important, but it is not enough on its own. You should be able to demonstrate specific, usable skills by the time you graduate. Ask yourself:

  • Can you write a clear, one-page policy memo or professional email?
  • Can you quickly summarize complex readings or reports?
  • Can you interpret basic data or research findings?

  If the answer is no, focus on building those skills through your coursework, internships, and independent practice.

• Networking Matters

  Networking does not mean asking strangers for jobs—it means building relationships and learning from others.

  • Create a resume and LinkedIn profile by your third year
  • Attend department events, workshops, and career fairs
  • Connect with alumni and ask about their experiences

  Many opportunities come through connections, referrals, or prior interactions—not just online applications.

• Take Advantage of High-Impact Programs

  UCR offers several programs designed to help students gain experience and build professional skills. These include:

  • The departmental internship program (POSC 198G)
  •  UC Washington Center (UCDC) and UC Center Sacramento Program
  • Moot Court for students interested in law
  • Research programs such as The Minority Serving Institution Research Academy (MSIRA) 
  • Departmental awards, scholarships, and fellowships during your undergraduate year

  Students who actively participate in these programs often graduate with stronger resumes and clearer career direction.

• Be Consistent Over Time

  You do not need to do everything at once. What matters is steady progress - each year, you should be adding new skills, experiences, or connections. Over time, those efforts compound and make a meaningful difference in your opportunities after graduation.

These outcomes reflect a wide range of career paths. The examples below highlight how recent Political Science graduates have translated their degree into diverse professional roles.

• Vincent Rasso, Class of 2022

  Vincent J. Rasso graduated in 2022 with a B.A. in Political Science. He began his career as a Statewide Student Affairs Manager at the Campaign for College Opportunity, a higher education policy advocacy and research organization, where he led student engagement efforts and worked on equity policy across California’s public university systems. He is now Director of Government Relations at the UC Student Association, where he manages state and federal policy agendas on behalf of over 230,000 students. He aims to continue shaping equitable public policy in education and beyond. His studies at UC Riverside prepared him through mentorship in the CHASS F1RST program, hands-on policy experience with ASUCR Lobby Corps, and direct legislative engagement, equipping him with skills in advocacy, research, and community-centered policymaking.

• Arlette Gutierrez, Class of 2023

  Arlette Gutierrez graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Public Service. She began her career with the City of Riverside’s Office of Sustainability and is now an Executive Assistant for Senator Sabrina Cervantes in the California State Senate. She aims to continue building a career in public service and giving back to her community. Her studies at UC Riverside prepared her by exposing her to diverse career pathways in political science and providing hands-on experience through coursework and internships, helping her develop practical skills for impactful work in the public sector.

• Nicole Azimioara, Class of 2023

  Nicole Azimioara graduated in 2023 with a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, along with a minor in History and Classical Studies. She began her career as a Teach For America corps member, teaching high school English in Phoenix, AZ. She is currently completing a Master's degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English Language Arts at Arizona State University. She also serves as Secretary of the American Federation for Aesthetic Group Gymnastics and is one of three internationally certified judges for the sport, representing the United States. Eventually, she aims to continue a career connected to international relations. Her studies at UC Riverside prepared her by providing diverse academic and experiential opportunities, including study abroad, participation in the UC Washington Center (UCDC) program, the UCR Honors Program, and Pi Sigma Alpha, helping her develop a broad skill set and explore multiple career pathways.

Career Resources for Political Science Students

• Departmental Resources

  Students have access to dedicated academic advisors who support them throughout their time in the program. Advisors can help you:

  • Plan your courses
  • Stay on track for graduation
  • Explore internships
  • Navigate major changes
  • Understand your academic standing
  • Develop post-graduation goals

  They also provide guidance on:

  • Research opportunities
  • Independent study courses
  • Connecting your academic experience to career pathways

  Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor regularly to make informed decisions and prepare for life after graduation.

• University Resources

  Students can take advantage of campus-wide resources such as the Career Center, which offers:

  • Resume and cover letter support
  • Interview preparation
  • Job and internship listings through Handshake
  • Career counseling

  Other university resources – including the Academic Resources Center and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program or the Career Center– provide support, skill development, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience that strengthen career readiness.

• Disciplinary Resources

  American Political Science Association: Career resources, job boards, and professional development tools (including the Career Center, APSA eJobs database, and bulletin board).

  USAJobs: Federal employment opportunities database

  Idealist: Nonprofit and social impact careers database

  PS Jobs: Academic job database for political science PhDs