<p>I currently am a political science major and I have always been greatly interested in how political system works; however, I definitely do not see myself as a politician nor do I see myself as a scholar in the field of political science.
I am definitely someone with more "applicational" interests. I am fluent in french and have taken spanish for almost 6 years so I hope to be trilingual eventually. Most likely will incorporate Spanish into my studies.
I love to travel and meet different cultures so I am interested in in double majoring in international affairs; however, I am not sure that I see myself in clear career path in that sense. I have also thought about a major or minor in political communications (in the Communications department).</p>
<p>Ideally, I would like to have a job right after my undergraduate studies, and I definitely see myself as a pragmatic person. I have thought about doing a Business/Econ either major or minor. I am not "gifted" in math nor do I have a passion for finance/accounting, but I do tend to think in a concrete manner. I think having a background in these topics are important to be a well-rounded applicant, but I would love to hear some advice.</p>
<p>I would love to hear some insight in terms of what pairing you think would fit my interests, but at the same time, make me as competitive as possible in the job market.</p>
<p>Let me get international affairs off the table first. Within the political science major, you should have a chance to get in an international course or two. And as you said, you don’t see a clear career path.</p>
<p>Political communications. I am not an expert here. But from what I see, it appears that the minor is some poli sci courses and a 3-4 communications courses. That may be easy to fit in. Obviously writing is important but I think you can improve your writing skills solely from the poli sci major. This isn’t to dismiss that you may learn some finer points of communications with a minor. But then again, I am not an expert here.</p>
<p>Econ always struck me as a very good complement to political science. Also, in econ, you gain analytical skills. No matter what kind of job you have analysis is almost always a necessary skill. For the minor, you would need to take some calculus and statistics (and extra classes for the major). I would rate econ above a business minor in that you follow a path and do get some intermediate to advanced classes. In a business minor, you get pretty much get a few beginning level classes. Also, it would be easy to get a certificate in business while you are working., You can go to a local community college or online and get that are a fairly reasonable price and if you work for the right entity, they may even pay.</p>
<p>In terms of competitiveness in the job market, a major in economics or business would give you a leg up over political science. On the flip side, not having a passion for a subject or getting frustrated because you are not a math person can be a drawback.</p>
<p>@geo1113 thank you for your insight! Any recs on what to concentrate in within political science, such as international relations?</p>
<p>You’re welcome. As for your concentration, I am inclined to tell you to go with your interests (which sure seems to be the international route) but I am not the right person to advise you on that. I suggest you speak with some of the professors.</p>