What Your Day-to-Day Might Look Like

• Research & Analysis

  Summarize policy proposals, analyze legislation, track political developments

• Writing & Communication

  Draft memos, emails, briefing notes, reports

• Meetings & Coordination

  Attend team meetings, take notes, coordinate with stakeholders

• Public Interaction

  Respond to constituents, support events, assist outreach efforts

• Administrative Tasks

  Manage calendars, organize documents, track projects

Example Projects You Might Work On

• Legislative Support

  -    Tracking bills and anticipating their implications
  -    Preparing briefing materials for a supervisor
   

• Policy Research

  -    Gathering data on housing, healthcare, or education policy
  -    Writing short reports or literature summaries
   

• Community Programs

  -    Helping run outreach initiatives
  -    Coordinating volunteers or events
   

How to Prepare While You’re at UCR

• Start Early

  If you want to wait until your final year, you will be behind. Strong candidates usually have at least one internship and one substantial research or leadership experience.

• Build Experience

  •    Intern with local government offices or nonprofits
  •    Join student organizations related to politics or advocacy
  •    Participate in faculty research
  •    Talk to your professors and go to their office hours
  •    Apply for summer internships (many deadlines are early!)
   

• Develop Skills

  Ask yourself:
  •    Can you write a policy memo?
  •    Can you analyze data or interpret research?
  •    Can you explain complex issues clearly and concisely?

  
  If not, start building those now.
   

• Networking Matters

  •    Create a resume/ LinkedIn profile by your 3rd year
  •    Attend career fairs and department events
  •    Connect with alumni

  
  Most jobs come from connections – not cold applications.
   

• Take Advantage of High-Impact Programs

  •    Apply to our departmental local internship program and its accompanying course POSC 198G in your third or fourth year
  •    Apply to our UC Washington Center (UCDC) or UC Center Sacramento Program
  •    Apply to our Moot Court program if you are interested in a law career
  •    Apply to departmental awards, scholarships, and fellowships during your undergraduate year
  •    Apply to our MSIRA research academy program to gain more experience in research
   

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.

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