Education & Career Trends: October 21, 2024
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Article by Riya Tandon, published on economictimes.indiatimes.com.
Over the last few years, many young minds have expressed a growing curiosity to understand the political landscape of India and its role as a global decision-maker. This eagerness to delve deep into political systems and analyse theories that shape public administration and law-making has motivated many individuals to pursue a BA (Honours) in Political Science.
This undergraduate programme typically spans three to four years, depending on the university, covering critical themes such as democracy, liberty, equality, comparative politics, international relations, the Indian political system, public administration and more. Admission criteria can vary; while some universities consider Class XII marks, others require entrance exams.
If you’re contemplating a career path after completing a BA (Honours) in Political Science, here’s a glimpse into 6 promising career options:
1. Policy Analyst
- If you aspire to be part of the policy-making process, assess policy effectiveness, and contribute to shaping future legislation, a career as a policy analyst could be ideal.
- These analysts gather and analyse data, evaluate existing policies to identify gaps, propose new policies, write detailed reports and monitor outcomes for improvement.
- They find opportunities across NGOs, research institutes, the private sector, government agencies and freelance consultants.
2. Journalist
- Journalism is a rewarding option for political science graduates passionate about reporting political affairs and analysing public policies.
- As a journalist, you’ll cover global events, foreign policies, and diplomatic relations, conduct interviews and shape public opinion through informed reporting.
- Essential skills for this role include critical thinking, research proficiency, and an understanding of legal systems.
- Career opportunities in this field span print media, news channels, digital platforms, and online investigative journalism.
3. Public Relations Specialist
- A deep understanding of government, media, and public affairs makes political science graduates well-suited for public relations.
- PR specialists manage media relations, write press releases, coordinate press conferences, handle social media and launch campaigns to bolster their client’s reputation.
- Success in this role demands excellent communication skills, social media expertise, and the ability to build strong networks and relationships.
4. Lecturer/Professor
- If teaching and scholarly work interest you, a political science degree can pave the way for a career as a lecturer or professor.
- This role requires pursuing a master’s degree followed by a PhD, along with clearing the National Eligibility Test (NET).
- Lecturers are expected to conduct research, deliver lectures on complex political theories and guide students through the intricacies of the field.
- Success in academia depends on strong communication, adaptability, and organisational skills.
5. Lawyer
- Political science graduates often find a natural transition into law due to the interconnectedness of the two fields.
- A solid foundation in political science aids in understanding national and international law, public administration, and legal frameworks.
- Graduates can specialise in areas like corporate law, criminal law, human rights law, constitutional law, and more.
- To pursue this path, candidates need to complete a 3-year LLB or a 5-year integrated BA LLB programme.
6. International Relations Specialists
- Under this role, one has to analyse global political trends, international treaties and economic policies to advise government agencies on policy issues and trade agreements.
- Also, they are expected to engage in diplomacy, serve as mediators during disputes, write reports, offer strategic advice, oversee global projects and coordinate with international partners.
- Graduates can start their careers with entry-level roles in government agencies, think tanks, or international organisations and gradually move to significant positions.
Conclusion
A BA (Honours) in Political Science not only equips students with knowledge about political theories and systems but also opens doors to diverse career paths. Whether you’re passionate about shaping public policies, influencing public opinion, or engaging in scholarly research, this degree offers the foundation to make a meaningful impact in the field of politics and governance.
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Have you checked out yesterday’s blog yet?
The Power of Unlearning
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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