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Political Scientists

Careers / Political Scientists

Summary Description


	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 Job Titles

1.	Deputy Director

2.	Government Affairs Researcher

3.	Government Affairs Specialist

4.	International Affairs Vice President

5.	Local Governance and Citizen Participation Specialist

6.	Policy Officer

7.	Political Advisor

8.	Political Aide

9.	Political Analyst

10.	Political Consultant

11.	Political Research Scientist

12.	Political Researcher

13.	Political Science Professor

14.	Professor

15.	Program Analyst

16.	State-Federal Relations Deputy Director

17.	Strategist

18.	Technical Director

Job Tasks

	Teach political science. Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.

	Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations. Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.

	Identify issues for research and analysis.

	Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources. Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.

	Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions. Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.

	Collect, analyze, and interpret data such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions. Interpret research or operational data.

	Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations. Conduct research on social issues.

	Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations. Evaluate civic projects or public policies. Advise others on matters of public policy.

	Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use. Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.

	Forecast political, economic, and social trends. Forecast economic, political, or social trends.

	Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues. Advise others on matters of public policy.

	Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Staffing Organizational Units — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Political Scientists
	Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They research political ideas and analyze governments, policies, political trends, and related issues.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Political Scientists
	Political scientists typically work full time in an office. They sometimes work additional hours to finish reports and meet deadlines. More than half worked in the federal government in 2014.

	Read More >>

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Before his music career, Elvis Costello worked as a computer programmer.

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