Оглавление
Wendy N. Whitman Cobb. The CQ Press Career Guide for Political Science Students
The CQ Press Career Guide for Political Science Students
Contents
Preface. Introduction
Why I Became a Political Scientist
Plan of the Book
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1 Careers in Political Science
Government Careers
Working for Elected Officials
The Military
The Bureaucracy
Peace Corps
Lawyers
Private-Sector Jobs
Lawyers
Campaigns and Elections
Business and Finance
Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Foundations
Think Tanks
Media
Teaching
Academics
Chapter 2 Political Science as a Degree
Planning Your College Career
Government Jobs
Lawyers
Private Sector Jobs
Academics
Conclusion
Chapter 3 Acing the Interview
Looking for a Job
Preparing an Application
Résumés
Cover Letters
References and Letters of Recommendation
Other Application Elements
The Interview
Preparation
At the Interview
Chapter 4 Choosing a Graduate School
Law School
DO
DON’T
Graduate School
Index
About the Author
Отрывок из книги
As a professor, one of the duties that I spend much of my time on is advising students who are either majoring in political science or thinking about it. One of the very first questions I ask these students is, What do you want to do after college? Often, my students are unsure about what they want to do and, in some cases, don’t even know what they can do with a political science degree. What they do know, though, is that they find politics interesting and want to spend more time learning about it.
When I became a political science major as an undergraduate, I didn’t even know what I was going to do after college. In fact, political science wasn’t even my first major; I spent the first six weeks of my college life as a theatre major until I realized that I simply lacked the drive and ambition of my theatre peers to succeed. Thankfully, I was taking an American government class at the time, and based on my lifelong interest in politics and current events, I decided to make the leap. I am glad every day that I did because today, I get to study things that I am passionate about and spend my days with students who are every bit as excited as I am.
.....
Jobs in the bureaucracy, especially in the federal civil service, provide lots of room for career advancement. Once in, you can compete for higher pay and promotions, and if positions are available, you have the option of moving to different areas. Although bureaucrats are often maligned, these types of jobs are necessary for the everyday functioning of American government. It might seem boring, but the jobs these bureaucrats are carrying out can be exciting and rewarding.
Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Peace Corps is an esteemed volunteer program that provides needed assistance throughout the world in areas ranging from health and agriculture to economic development. With almost seven thousand volunteers serving worldwide, the Peace Corps is an attractive postcollege option but can be quite competitive to get into. There is no general application for the Peace Corps; instead, potential volunteers apply for specific positions in designated countries. This allows potential volunteers to choose which projects interest them the most and which projects they can most directly benefit. Most volunteers serve in a two-year program, but quick-response teams are also open to past volunteers. A political science degree can provide excellent preparation for a stint in the corps, as understanding global dynamics, institutions, and development are key when participating in Peace Corps projects.
.....
