What CAN you do with a degree in political science? Lots, it turns out. The Department of Politics and Government (POL) recently hosted a discussion panel with faculty and program alumni to talk about just that: careers you may pursue with a political science degree, as well as best practices as to finding those opportunities.
Professor Michael Hendricks was joined by POL alums Richard Greenfield ’17 currently working for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago; Michael Hill ’16 working with the City of Bloomington; and Katie Eighan ’19 of the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County. They discussed their specific career paths, how they got there, and offered advice to students about figuring out what they want to do after graduation and how to get there.
Highlights from the conversation included the panelists stressing the importance of seeking out internships to gain experience in different areas, as well as networking to make important contacts. Additionally, each emphasized particular skills that have helped them get ahead, such as effective verbal and oral communication skills, and familiarity with analyzing and summarizing data.
The event was one of many others the department hopes to continue holding in the future.
