10 things political science majors should do in December to help their 2026 job search

The biggest mistake political science majors make is treating December like downtime — our best program hires came from people who reached out during the “dead zone.”

Here’s what worked for someone I hired in 2020: she volunteered 8 hours in December at a nonprofit serving a population she wanted to work with long-term. Not an internship, just showing up. When we posted a coordinator role in January, she already understood our 98.3% housing retention wasn’t just a number — she’d met the formerly homeless seniors behind it and could speak to actual challenges in her interview.

Political science gives you policy analysis skills, but December is when you prove you understand how policy hits the ground. Spend 2-3 days volunteering somewhere that does work you care about — city council offices, advocacy groups, housing orgs like ours. You’ll have real stories in interviews while everyone else is still writing generic cover letters about “passion for public service.”

The decision-makers planning 2026 budgets right now aren’t scrolling job boards — they’re dealing with January problems in December. Be the person who already knows what those problems feel like.

December is when you need to become visible in a way that matters — not through applications, through presence.

Here’s what worked for someone who contacted me: They found three articles I’d written about leadership and social media crisis management, then sent a two-paragraph email pointing out a specific trend I’d mentioned and how it connected to something happening in local government relations. They weren’t asking for a job — they were starting a conversation about work I actually cared about. When January came and we had an opening, guess who I thought of first?

Political science majors need to stop hiding behind “I’m still a student” and start contributing to industry conversations now. Find five people doing work you want to do, consume their content (blogs, LinkedIn posts, podcasts), and add something thoughtful to their discussions. Comment on their posts with actual insight, not “great article!” The goal isn’t networking — it’s making them remember your name when hiring conversations start in January.

December is when decision-makers like me have mental space to notice people. We’re planning Q1, not drowning in it yet. Be the person we’re already thinking about when the budget gets approved.

One of the most important things political science majors can do in December is focus on networking and informational interviews before the new year hits. This is a quieter time for many professionals, so people are often more available to connect, share advice, and even alert you to openings that haven’t been posted yet. Reaching out to alumni, professors, or professionals in government, think tanks, or advocacy organizations can give you insights into what employers will be looking for in early 2026 and help you position yourself effectively.

At the same time, it’s a good moment to polish your resume, LinkedIn profile, and any writing samples, so that when opportunities do come up in January, you can apply immediately with a strong, tailored package. December is about laying the groundwork — making connections, gathering intelligence, and putting yourself in the right place at the right time — so you’re not scrambling when the new hiring cycle starts.

You need to enroll in a technical micro-credential. A PoliSci degree is great, but adding a certification in something like “Legislative Drafting” or “Public Policy Analytics” during your December break is a game-changer. It shows recruiters that you didn’t just sit around during the holidays — it proves you are actively upgrading your intellect to meet 2026 demands. In a competitive field, being the candidate who just leveled up makes you the obvious choice for a high-level role.