20 most popular jobs upon graduation for students majoring in political science or international relations

Here’s a clear guide to the 20 most popular jobs for graduates with political science or international relations degrees. These majors build strong foundations in research, writing, policy analysis, and global awareness. Employers value grads from these fields because you know how to connect complex information, understand different perspectives, and explain ideas clearly. Some graduates work in government or nonprofits, while others move into business, law, media, or consulting.

• Policy Analyst
  Researching laws, regulations, and programs; writing briefs and advising policymakers.
• Legislative Assistant
  Supporting lawmakers with research, communication, and constituent services.
• Diplomatic Service Officer (entry-level track)
  Representing your country abroad in embassies, consulates, and missions.
• Foreign Affairs Analyst
  Studying international trends, security issues, and diplomatic relations for governments or think tanks.
• NGO Program Coordinator
  Managing international aid, human rights, or development programs.
• International Development Associate
  Working on economic, health, or education projects in developing countries.
• Public Policy Researcher
  Evaluating programs and publishing reports for think tanks, nonprofits, or academic centers.
• Intelligence Analyst (entry-level)
  Reviewing information to support national security or defense planning.
• Communications Specialist (political or corporate)
  Writing press releases, speeches, or reports for campaigns, government offices, or businesses.
• Lobbying / Advocacy Associate
  Supporting advocacy efforts by tracking legislation and organizing outreach.
• Human Rights Researcher
  Documenting abuses, writing reports, and supporting international advocacy.
• Journalist / Political Correspondent
  Reporting on politics, policy, and international issues for media outlets.
• Community Organizer
  Building grassroots campaigns around local or national issues.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Associate
  Supporting businesses in sustainability, community engagement, and ethical practices.
• Recruiter / HR Specialist
  Using interpersonal skills to source and onboard talent in private companies.
• Nonprofit Development Coordinator
  Writing grants, fundraising, and managing donor relations for NGOs and charities.
• Immigration / Refugee Case Worker
  Supporting clients with applications, services, and legal resources.
• Public Relations Assistant (policy or advocacy focus)
  Managing media outreach and messaging for nonprofits, campaigns, or government offices.
• Graduate Pathway Roles (Law, Public Policy, or International Affairs)
  Many political science and IR grads step into assistantships or research posts before pursuing advanced degrees.
• Consulting Analyst (government or international focus)
  Advising clients in the public or private sector on strategy, policy, and international operations.

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How to Use This List

A degree in political science or international relations is versatile. It can lead you into government, diplomacy, research, NGOs, or even business. The key to standing out is proof of applied skills: policy briefs you’ve written, campaigns you’ve supported, or research you’ve conducted. Employers don’t just want to know you understand theory—they want to see you’ve taken that knowledge into the real world to solve problems or influence decisions.