Majoring In Political Science

College Majors
1

<p>Hey guys, I know a potential Poli Sci major wana be always waltzes in here asking about the major without doing any homework. I have done some homework and have a legitimate problem.</p>

<p>Currently a Business major at CSU:Sacramento, not even declared yet, only finished my second semester.</p>

<p>I have developed a huge interest in foreign affairs, politics, diplomacy, and I am seriously considering switching my major to Political Science with a concentration in International Relations, and a minor in Economics or Business. </p>

<p>The way I see it, I would be learning something I love, and If I could get a job in the State Department later on that would be ideal. </p>

<p>I am fluent in Russian, grew up in a Russian home, I have visited Russia many times. I will be writing a year long project paper in Russian about U.S and Russian affairs, and I will be studying at the Russian State University next summer.</p>

<p>So by the end of all that I will have extensive experience in Russian language, culture, politics etc.</p>

<p>I would like to land a State Department internship in Russian and Eurasian affairs, and later grab a full time position once graduated. </p>

<p>My question is....What can I do with my International Relations degree if this whole State Department idea does not work out?</p>

<p>Will my business/econ minor help with getting a job in an unrelated field?</p>

<p>Would companies/business still look at me and call me in for an interview if I am a International Relations major?</p>

<p>I talked to an IR adviser and he said that a degree just lands you your first job, after that they look at work experience. He said an IR degree would not hinder me at all from getting other jobs...Companies just wanted educated people, not business diploma handouts. </p>

<p>I love International Politics, I would love to aid in developing a better relationship with Russia and being an IR major would definitely help me.</p>

<p>Does anybody have advice on what I should do? Who I should talk to? Any tips?</p>

<p>Anyone?</p>

2

<p>Anyone have some advice?</p>

<p>I know its a long post, but if anyone can take the time to read it that would be great.</p>

3

<p>Well you have an advantage of being fluent in Russian. Knowing a language is always a plus to any employer in the Public or Private sector. Speaking of Public sector, there are always internships with the United Nations. I’m pretty sure your Poli Sci program at school has one of those Semester Internship at Washington D.C. courses as well. Businesswise a IR major with knowledge of a foreign laguage would look attractive to a MNC(Multi-national Corporation). But remember, secure internships whether it pays or not because experience is experience, network within any clubs, work hard, and focus on your intended goal.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the great advice!</p>

<p>And I will definitely do that, my goal is to come out of college with a ton of experience in both the public and private sector. </p>

<p>Everyone just keeps discouraging me with majoring in Poli Sci and specifically IR</p>

5

<p>Also you could always work for or intern for think-tanks. IR and Russian would be useful for that.</p>

6

<p>Still thinking about this. </p>

<p>Anybody else have any input?</p>

7

<p>What has changed about your thinking? You should be part way into your Spring Semester of Sophomore year. How soon do you have to make your decision?</p>

8

<p>Well job prospects have worried me the most…</p>

<p>I feel that an IR major does not really bring anything to the table when it comes to working for companies that demand something more rigorous. </p>

<p>I do have some great options with the Government…but you know how their hiring is…I cant rely on them for employment…</p>

<p>A Biz-Econ Major with an IR minor would be PERFECT. If I could only get my University to make a Special Major for me…</p>

9

<p>Any other political science majors that could offer me some advice??</p>

<p>I have been talking to other students and advisers and it seems that the majority of them suggest I major in something more substantial and applicable (like finance or economics)</p>

<p>and minor in the IR stuff because I am interested it. </p>

<p>What is your take on this?</p>