Political Scientist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Political scientists study the institutions, laws and methods used in political process and government, influences that shape government policy, practices and organizations (politics) and fundamental questions about related concepts such as power, freedom, security, justice, democracy. They may be employed by political parties, international organizations, NGOs, universities and colleges. (alis)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Career Explorer by Sokanu: occupational profile and videos (U.S.)
- A Day in the Life of a Political Scientist - The Princeton Review (U.S.)
- Political Science Career Paths - from American Political Science Association
- Interview: Political Intern - from StudyinCanada.com
- Interview with political scientist Jane Mansbridge - The Harvard Gazette
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Information for foreign-trained professionals - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA)
- Prairie Political Science Association
- International Political Science Association
- American Political Science Association (APSA)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Canadian Political Studies Departments - CPSA members
- Universities Canada - member universities
- Canadian Think Tanks - listing from McGill University
- Manitoba Government - Departments
- City of Winnipeg - Departments
- Government of Canada - Departments and Agencies
- Canadian Council of Public Relations Firms - members
- Elections Canada - list of registered political parties
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- POLCAN2 - from the CPSA
- Government of Canada
- Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
- Post-Secondary Recruitment *attention students approaching their graduation year
- Manitoba Government Job Opportunities
- Canadian Studies Network
- United Nations Careers
- World Bank - Programs and Internships
- Non-profits:
- Charity Village - specialized job board for Canadian non-profit professionals
- Work In Non-Profits.ca
- Community Economic Development Job Board - CCEDNet
- Idealist
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- UM Political Studies Career Compass - guide for students majoring in Political Studies
- University of Manitoba Student's Union - student clubs and associations
- Undergraduate Political Studies Student Association - Faculty of Arts
- International Association for Political Science Students - Canada & U.S. division
- Legislative Assembly of Manitoba Internship Program
- Parliamentary Internship Programme (Canada)
- City of Winnipeg - Boards & Committees
- Article: City looking for residents to join boards, commissions - CTV News Winnipeg
- Government of Manitoba - Agencies, Boards & Commissions
- Equal Voice - national, bilingual, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada
- Samara Centre for Democracy - non-partisan charity dedicated to strengthening Canada’s democracy
- Canadian Research Data Centre Network - partnership between a consortium of Canadian universities and Statistics Canada
- Career Resources in Political Science - from American Political Science Association
- The Hill Times - Canadian politics and government news service
- Article: Demystifying the role of parliamentary staffers - from Policy Options magazine
- Article: The staff of life: In moments of crisis, we need political aides - The Globe & Mail
- The Role of the Policy Advisor: An insider's look - Queen's Institute of Intergovernmental Relations