Introducing Cuyamaca Career Center

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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 

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

Visit O*Net Online's page for this position to learn more.

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

Visit O*Net Online's page for this position to learn more.

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

Visit O*Net Online's page for this position to learn more.