Political Science Department

Political Employment Track

If you hope to work in politics after graduation, your extra-curricular activities will be as important as your coursework. Put simply: volunteer early and often. For the long-term, remember that law school or graduate school may be important to your career development. There are, for example, graduate programs that specialize in the art and science of running campaigns.

First and Second Years

• Register for the Political Science department’s VSpace site (see Erik Trump).
• Complete as many of the Political Science required foundation courses as possible.
• Introduce yourself to the department chair (Erik Trump).
• Introduce yourself to the director of the Center for Public Policy and Service (John Kaczynski). He will be a crucial resource during your four years at SVSU.
• Introduce yourself to Mark Nicol, who runs the Public Administration program. This major might be well-suited for your career goals.
• Join some student organizations. John Kaczynski can help you identify groups that would reflect your interests. These could include the College Democrats, the College Republicans, the Student Association, and a host of others.
• Volunteer on an election campaign (even in your first year). You can receive credit through the PS 396 Internship course.
• Attend the Center’s “public official” lunches and any other events with a political emphasis.
• Complete an internship with a local or state elected official (spring or summer of second year).
• P repare a resume. Work with a faculty advisor (Mark Nicol is an excellent choice) to give it a professional look.
• Develop a network of friends and contacts. Be social!

Third Year

• Get a “graduation audit” from the Advising Office and meet with the Political Science department chair to make sure that you can graduate on time (late fall).
• Complete an internship with a state or federal elected representative (may do in spring or summer).
• If possible, complete an internship in Lansing or Washington, DC (spring or summer).
• Participate in the “Cardinal Voice” debate series, either as an organizer or a debater.
• Apply for summer leadership or community activism training programs. (see John Kaczynski)
• Attend the Center’s “public official” lunches and any other events with a political emphasis.

Fourth Year

• If you do not already have a post-graduation employment opportunity in place, meet with John Kaczynski to learn about places where political jobs are advertised. Use the Career Advising office as a resource.
• Take courses that will develop your political skills. Consider an acting course.
• Apply for graduation (at the Registrar’s Office) in the fall semester.