UFV's Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science is an excellent foundation for launching your career in government, non-profit, or business sector. It is also a great background for pursuing a professional career in law, journalism, and public administration. Studying political science develops your ability to think creatively and critically, and equips you with knowledge in how institutions govern locally and in the world.
Making the decision to further your education and find a suitable career can be a difficult task, so we have compiled a few resources below to guide you through the process.
Developing skills
The skills you develop in the study of political science at UFV are transferable to different types of work, and include the following:
- Ability to present and debate an argument
- Ability and desire to engage in social and political issues
- Use reasoning and logic to find solutions to problems
- Ability to gather, evaluate, and organize relevant data
- Develop critical thinking skills and assess the effectiveness of policies and laws
- Gain an understanding of our political system and others
- Ability to present information clearly, effecively, and persuasively
Discovering your career
Career options
Studying political science can lead you to a variety of careers, and is not limited to being a politican. A political science degree provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of further study in law or political science. Below are a few examples of careers you might pursue:
- constituency office worker
- policy research analyst
- lobbyist
- consultant
- campaign manager
- program manager
- legislative aide
- community activist
- government worker (such as customs officer)
- researcher
- senior bureaucrat
- professor
- Career exploration tools
Informational interviews
The informational interview is a research tool that can be used to learn about a specific occupation or career area by talking to people.
CareerLink
Sign up to UFV's CareerLink to receive career event updates and emails from Centre for Experiential and Career Education. You can also check their webpage containg career event updates.
LinkedIn Alumni tool
Gathered from the profiles of more than 200 million members, LinkedIn’s Alumni tool helps you explore alumni career paths from more than 22,000 colleges and universities worldwide – and build relationships that can help you along the way.
Explore Careers by Outlook
Compare the outlooks of different occupations in Canada via the government of Canada's webpage.
Acquiring professional experience
While you study, gain work experience and enhance your resume on and off campus:
Perform research
Connect with UFV’s Research office to assist you in becoming a student researcher, and exploring opportunities, such as international internships, research assistant positions, undergraduate research excellence awards, and more.
Participate in student government (clubs, newspaper, etc.)
Consider getting involved in student associations or participating in the The Cascade, UFV's autonomous student newspaper, which posts various work opportunities.
Browse CareerLink
Browse job postings at UFV's job portal CareerLink. Work part time while you study by applying for a work study opportunity.
Join professional associations
Join a professional association as a student and volunteer or attend an event:
- Canadian Political Science Association
- International Political Science Association
- American Political Science Association
Internships
You can also gain experience in your field of interest by doing an internship during or after your studies:
- International Political Science Association Careers and Internships
- The Council of Canadians Careers and Internships
Finding employment
The UFV Centre for Experiential and Career Education is available to all UFV students and alumni and provides free access to the following:
- job search tools
- resume writing assistance
- job postings
- co-operative education
- work study opportunities
- career coaching appointments
- career resources and events
Building on your education
A major in political science prepares you for further study in fields such as:
- Law
- Business
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Criminology