5 Ways to Get Started Exploring Careers
1) Serve on a Cuyamaca College Committee or Council
California community college students have an awesome opportunity to directly and impactfully serve and participate in the shared governance of a community college. Each community college is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, instead of a statewide board of appointed officials. And within each college there are councils and committees which students, staff, faculty, and administrators serve as members. These councils and committees are responsible for a range of policies, from budget and planning, to curriculum and equity.
- If you have more questions about this opportunity, please contact Dr. Josh Franco at josue.franco@gcccd.edu. As a former community college student, he served on such committees and found them to be incredibly meaningful experiences.
- Download the Cuyamaca College Shared Governance Handbook to learn about these councils and committees.
- The Associated Student Government of Cuyamaca College is the body responsible for appointing Student Representatives to councils and committees, so contact the ASGCC Student Body President or Advisor to obtain an appointment.
2) Introduce Yourself to Guest Speakers on Campus
Guest speakers regularly visit the College to share their knowledge, describe their experiences, and encourage students to strive to be their personal best. After their presentation and question and answer session, consider introducing yourself to the guest speaker, sharing one thing you liked about their presentation, and ask if you can have their business card to schedule a follow up meeting.
3) Schedule Informational Interviews with Working Professionals
Informational interviews with professionals in an organization or position you are interested in can go a long way towards helping you consider future career opportunities. Informational interviews allow you to ask how the person secured their position, what education and experiences led them to their role, what is a typically week of work like, and what advice can they share with you as you plan ahead for your career.
4) Visit the Career Center
"The Career Center provides career and employment guidance and counseling to students, alumni and community members. Our free services include career and job counseling, career workshops, job search boards for students and employers, career assessments, career classes, career research information, an annual job fair and much more!" Learn more by visiting their website.
5) Schedule a Career Advising Session
Career advising sessions are for students who are declared POSC majors and focused on securing an internship or entry-level career opportunity in the near future.
Careers by Degree Level
Setting Forth
There are dozens of career options for students who earn degrees in political science. Below is a list by degree level, starting with an AA degree to a PhD degree.
Students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Josh Franco at josue.franco@gcccd.edu to discuss career interests an opportunities. He has 5 years of professional experience working in the California State Capitol and Washington D.C.. Dr. Franco welcomes your inquires and looks forward to helping you on your career journey.
Students who earn an AA-T in Political Science
Students who earn an AA-T in Political Science can pursue a wide-range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, especially if they further their education.
Students who go on to earn an Associates (A.A.) degree in Political Science are prepared to assume the following positions:
- Political campaigns: city, county, special district, statewide, legislative, Congressional, Presidential, entry-level position (i.e. Fieldwork, Get Out The Vote, Social Media)
- Undergraduate student research assistant for a professor at 4-year university
- Resident Assistant at 4-year university
- Student Assistant in various departments and programs at 4-year university
- Internship (paid or unpaid) in a state legislative or congressional office
Students who go on to earn a Bachelors (B.A.) degree in Political Science
Students who go on to earn a Bachelors (B.A.) degree in Political Science are prepared to assume the following positions:
- Political campaigns: city, county, special district, statewide, legislative, Congressional, Presidential, entry-level or coordinator-level position (i.e. Fieldwork, Get Out The Vote, Social Media)
- Foreign Service
- Civil service position in state government or federal government
- Political service position in State Legislatures, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, or the Executive Branch (i.e. Staff Assistant, Legislative Aide, Legislative Assistant, Policy Analyst)
- Staff member at a non-profit organization or local government
Students who go on to earn a Masters (M.A.) degree in Political Science
Students who go on to earn a Masters (M.A.) degree in Political Science are better prepared to assume the following positions:
- Instructor at college or university
- Senior civil service position in state or federal government
- Partner at Public Affairs and Lobbying firms
- Senior staff member at a non-profit organization, local government or regional government
- Staff member at an international institution, like the United Nations
Students who go on to earn a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Political Science
Students who go on to earn a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Political Science are best prepared to assume:
- Teaching professor at a college or university
- Research professor at a college or university
- Senior management role/civil service position in local, state or federal government
- Fellow at a research institute or think tank
- Consultant for local, state, and national organizations, campaigns, or industries
Intern and Entry-Level Opportunities
2-year or 4-Year University
2-year or 4-Year University
2-year or 4-Year University
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as a research assistant to a professor, grant administrator, or institutional research officer at your college or university
Local Government
2-year or 4-Year University
2-year or 4-Year University
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level staff member to a local elected or appointed official, such as a City Council Member or City Clerk
City of El Cajon Public Commissions
State Government
2-year or 4-Year University
Federal Government
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry staff member to a state elected or appointed official, such as a statewide constitutional officer, State Senator or Assembly Member member, or a statewide or regional board official
Office of California State Assembly Member Dr. Akilah Weber
Federal Government
Non-Profit Organizations
Federal Government
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level staff member to a federal elected or appointed official, such as a U.S. Senator or U.S. Congress Member
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as an intern or entry staff member at a local or regional non-profit organization.
Businesses
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-Profit Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level staff person at a small, medium, or large business, particularly in their external affairs, governmental affairs, or regulatory affairs department.
Think Tanks
International Organizations
International Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can serve as an intern or entry-level staff member at a regional, state, or national think tank.
The San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center (sdrpic.org)
International Organizations
International Organizations
International Organizations
With your AA-T in POSC, you can work as an intern or entry-level staff member at a government or non-governmental international organization.
Plan Ahead by Reading Current Job Descriptions
California State Assembly and State Senate
California State Assembly and State Senate
California State Assembly and State Senate
Serving in the state capitol offers unique opportunities to learn and grow. Read current job descriptions at the California State Senate and California State Assembly.
US House of Representatives and US Senate
California State Assembly and State Senate
California State Assembly and State Senate
Working in the nation's capitol is a demanding and rewarding experience. Read current job descriptions at the US Senate and US House of Representatives.
Congressional Research Service
California State Assembly and State Senate
Congressional Research Service (CRS) is the non-partisan research arm of the US Congress. Check out their Career Opportunities to get a sense of the knowledge, skills, and abilities you need to work at CRS.
Capitol Morning Report Classifieds
Capitol Morning Report is a daily publication for "insiders" in the State Capitol and surrounding Sacramento region. Visit their Classifieds page to see what career opportunities are currently available.
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of State
Everyone working for the U.S. Department of State contributes to advancing U.S. interests and implementing foreign policy. Each day, our employees make a difference as they contribute to our global society and defend and advance our country’s interests and values. We work on the business of diplomacy and high priority issues that affect our world – human rights, environment, energy, food security, public health, and technology – all while experiencing a unique career. Visit Job Seekers - United States Department of State
O*NET Online
19-3094.00 - Political Scientists
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Sample of reported job titles: International Affairs Vice President, State-Federal Relations Deputy Director
25-1065.00 - Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Sample of reported job titles: Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Government Professor, Instructor, Political Science Instructor, Political Science Professor, Professor, Public Administration Professor
25-1062.00 - Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Sample of reported job titles: Adjunct Professor, American Studies Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Black Studies Professor, Ethnic Studies Professor, Humanities Professor, Lecturer, Professor, Women's Studies Professor