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Career Paths in Political Science

A degree in political science provides students with a broad, basic knowledge of all the conditions, prerequisites, means, and ways of political decision-making and political action in the civic, economic, and governmental spheres. Even at the bachelor’s level, this knowledge can be effectively applied in one’s own political involvement, in opinion research, journalism, press and public relations, as well as in organizational and corporate communications.

This results in the following career paths in Political Science:

- Research
- Public Relations
- Political Will Formation
- Consulting and Mediation
- Management
- Organization and Administration
- Advocacy, Support, Assistance
- International Cooperation

As their expertise grows, graduates have increased career opportunities in adult education, political education, political consulting (as advisors), and (project) management. Depending on the focus, experience abroad, and foreign language skills, it is possible to have a successful career in foreign affairs, ranging from non-governmental organizations to government missions abroad.

Since the search for truth in political science is both theoretical and discursive, political scientists are not only avid readers and thinkers, but also avid speakers, exchangers, and debaters.

Putting arguments into context, interrogating them, checking their validity, and examining them for social positions and economic interests gives students and graduates a high degree of critical-analytical and innovative potential: they can not only look at things and take them apart, but also creatively put them back together into something new. They are sought after and employed all over the labor market, preferably in areas where existing policies need to be reviewed, renewed, or completely redefined.

Due to the disciplinary proximity to the social sciences (sociology, economics, cultural studies, geography, regional studies), interdisciplinarity becomes a decisive asset. As in any other innovative field however, most career paths are not clearly apparent (in the form of “jobs”) but must, can, and may be created.

This information is based on information provided by the BERUFENET of the German Federal Employment Agency and surveys conducted with graduates of Marburg University. We would like to thank Edgar Losse from the Marburg branch of the Federal Employment Agency for the suggestions and support.