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Political Scientists

Also called: International Affairs Vice President, State-Federal Relations Deputy Director, Technical Director

What they do:
Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
On the job, you would:
  • Teach political science.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Identify issues for research and analysis.

Knowledge

Safety and Government
  • law and government
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
  • history and archeology
Education and Training
  • teaching and course design
Math and Science
  • sociology and anthropology

Skills

Basic Skills
  • reading work related information
  • talking to others
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal
  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Initiative
  • Persistence

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 5 of 5)
doctoral/professional degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$103,860
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about political scientists.