Hunter Stephens '22
I love going and supporting our Lakers no matter what sport they are playing. The energy from football games and the Laker pride will always stick with me!
Political Science Career Guide
Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths
Academic Resources
Explore Political Science academic resources, designed to support your academic aspirations.
Feeling like you don't know what to do with all of this great information? We highly encourage to make an appointment with your academic advisor and career advisor. Another great starting point is the Self-Guided Career Exploration Tool.
Career Resources
Unlock career potential in Political Science! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.
Menu of Experiences
Sample Political Science Internship Sites
Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.
- The Washington Center
- United States House of Representatives
- Kent County Defender’s Office
- Michigan State Senate
- City of East Grand Rapids
- Sierra Club
- National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
- Kent County Democrats
- Jackson County GOP
- Ottawa County Clerk's Office
- Brink Law Firm
- Kent County Elections Office
- Michigan League of Conservation Voters
- Vote for Equality, Feminist Majority
Join A Student Organization
Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!
Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills
Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.
Intercultural Communications Undergraduate Certificate
Grant Writing
Research
Public speaking
Community Service Opportunities
Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.
The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
Civic Engagement Center
Political Science Study Abroad Options
Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.
Learn about the fields of International Relations and Political Science abroad by embarking on your own real life experience abroad. Studying abroad provides you with unique opportunities to build intercultural communication and problem-solving skills essential to success in these fields. Step out into the world and earn academic credit by studying abroad.
Undergraduate Scholar Engagement
Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement (CUSE) provides opportunities for undergraduate research and scholarship.
Political Science Career Spotlights
Kelly Hildebrand '95
I have so many great memories of my time at GVSU, but probably the best one was meeting Adam Sandler.
Kate Marsh '20
My favorite memory from Grand Valley would have to be the shows I did with my improv team Subject to Change. I can not express how amazing it was to find a group of like minded, hilarious, and amazing friends!
Where Alumni Have Landed
- Associate – Democratic Partners
- Outreach Vice Chair – Michigan Republican Party
- Transitional Foster Care/Refugee Resettlement Assistant – Bethany Christian Services
- Mortgage Banker – Quicken Loans
- Youth Specialist – Ottawa County
- Advocacy Manager* – HealthHIV
- Community Economic Development Volunteer – Peace Corps
- Teacher – Teach For America
- Legal Assistant – Legal Aid of Western Michigan
- Assistant Attorney General* – Maryland Office of the Attorney General
- Attorney* – Social Security Administration
- Organizational Efficiency Analyst – City of Grand Rapids
- First Vice President of Commercial Banking* – Amalgamated Bank
- Assistant District Attorney – Bronx County
- International Admissions Counselor – University of Detroit Mercy
*This position may require an advanced degree or specialized certification
Attend Events
Career Community- Human & Public Service
Employer Showcase: Kentwood Police Department
January 15, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Au Sable Hall First Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Kentwood Police Department! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and...
Employer Showcase: City Year
January 22, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Au Sable Hall First Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from City Year! Students can stop by for a casual conversation with professionals...
Employer Showcase: Michigan State Police
January 29, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by Au Sable Hall, 1st Floor anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from the Michigan State Police! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and meet potential...
Michigan Social Work Bridges to Employment Conference
February 4, 2025 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Join our FREE annual conference, open to all social work programs throughout Michigan! Attendees can complete the state human trafficking requirement, learn about licensing requirements, and connect...
Employer Showcase: Oak Park Public Safety Department
February 5, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by Au Sable Hall, 1st Floor anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from the Oak Park Public Safety Department! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and...
Consider joining the Human and Public Service Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!
Beyond Undergraduate: Graduate or Professional Programs
Students with a Political Science degree may continue on to a graduate program. Here are some examples of programs students have pursued:
- Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
- Master of Public Policy
- Law School
- Master of Public Administration
Discover More
Join a Career Community
Watch Videos of Professionals in the Field
Check out our podcast!
[1649173571].jpg)
Career Center Resources
Looking for other career resources? The Career Center Resources page contains resources related to careers, resumes, internships, job search, interviewing, networking, and more.