What Do Political Scientist Do?
Example of Political Scientist Job 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.
Life As a Political Scientist: What Do They Do?
- Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Political Scientist?
Political Scientists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Political Scientist Jobs
- State-Federal Relations Deputy Director
- Political Consultant
- International Affairs Vice President
- Political Aide
- Political Researcher
What Kind of Political Scientist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 7,300 jobs for Political Scientist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Political Scientist by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Political Scientist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Political Scientist are North Carolina, Ohio, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Texas, Pennsylvania, or Maryland. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Political Scientist Salary
The typical yearly salary for Political Scientists is somewhere between $59,300 and $164,200.
Political Scientists who work in Virginia, Maryland, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Political Scientists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $74,060 |
| District of Columbia | $120,610 |
| Florida | $95,120 |
| Illinois | $80,520 |
| Maine | $72,850 |
| Maryland | $123,150 |
| Massachusetts | $88,120 |
| Michigan | $95,570 |
| New York | $122,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $102,110 |
| Texas | $87,610 |
| Virginia | $128,590 |
| Washington | $84,480 |
What Tools do Political Scientists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Political Scientists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- SAP
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- SAS
- Microsoft Publisher
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- R
- StataCorp Stata
- Bare Bones Software BBEdit
- WinBUGS
Becoming a Political Scientist
Learn what Political Scientist education requirements there are.
What work experience do I need to become a Political Scientist?
Where do Political Scientists Work?
Below are examples of industries where Political Scientists work:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Political Scientist may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Political Scientist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: UKWiki at English Wikipedia via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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