What Army career choices would you recommend for a Political Science major that would help towards civilian employment?

2014-01-31T22:32:05-05:00

I am five years into what I hope will be a long and successful military career. Every since my junior enlisted days I tried to stay enrolled in at least one college class. I've completed 54 credit hours toward a Bachelor's in Political Science with concentration on International Relations. After the military I want to use my degree to help jump start a new career in this field. I haven't met any Officers with Political Science degrees to get advice from. What can I do in the Army to gain experience in the "International Relations" area? I'm a Medic now. All opinions are welcomed, but only professional opinions will be acknowledged. 

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 11:04 PM

2014-01-31T23:04:24-05:00

I would recommend Civil Affairs because they often engage in International Affairs. They work closely with foreign countries to provide support, aid, & assistance.

Also I would recommend Attaché duties: that will put you in the political arena.

Finally, consider volunteer work in campaigns, police, & different areas.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made Jan 31 at 2014 11:19 PM

2014-01-31T23:19:56-05:00

I agree with Muna, Civil Affairs. Either that or Intel, or maybe Psy-Ops. It really depends on what you want to do in the civilian world. I have a BA in Poli-Sci and a Masters in Public Administration. Even with an international relations concentration Poli-Sci is pretty broad as far as application to a career. What are your interests for long-term civilian career?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 9:56 AM

2014-02-01T09:56:34-05:00

MOS 51C Contracting NCO. You will deploy in small teams and work with locals to support overseas operations, work along side civilian employees and when you're done with the Army you can put on a polo shirt and keep doing the same job for more pay.

DC is full of these jobs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 10:01 AM

2014-02-01T10:01:02-05:00

I would say 38B Civil Affairs or 51C Contracting NCO.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-02-01T10:05:39-05:00

Army Attache Duty may be something you want to consider as well:<div><br></div><div>http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/download/Attache%20Info%20Packet.pdf<br></div>

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 1 at 2014 10:13 AM

2014-02-01T10:13:02-05:00

The CA recommendation is good. Maybe look at Public Affairs. Consider pursuing a NATO assignment with your branch manager in your current MOS. Have you looked at next steps in education? If you are looking at ending up in a position to work internationally, a language would be important. Have you looked at the US State Department for different internships and foreign service requirements/ opportunities? Consider whether you want to continue as an NCO or as an officer. This would be a long flash to bang but if you earned a commission and then competed to become a Foreign Area Officer. Check out FAO on HRC website and the officer management regulation.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 7:58 PM

2014-02-01T19:58:49-05:00

Think I saw it on here - but try Civil Affairs or Army Attache assignments. FAO branch may be able to point you in the right direction to get in contact with some FAO Officers.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2014 8:35 PM

2014-02-02T20:35:23-05:00

I am currently a 38b (reserve side). That being said this is a great place to be as those above have stated. One of the best reasons is going to DLI the Defense Language Institute. Speaking a CATIV language will set you apart from many applicants and has immediate relevance in the civilian world once you decide to get out. Also the networking you get there is top notch. Surrounded by internationally oriented mos's in every branch you'll make friends which like it or not will have a close affiliation with DC in their futures.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Feb 3 at 2014 2:11 AM

2014-02-03T02:11:17-05:00

SGT(P) Brandon H: I do not have access to your profile, but can tell you this:

1. Civil Affairs (38O), Intelligence (35L, 35M, 35F or 351M for warrant), or maybe Psy-Ops (37F) are what you want to aim for, MOS wise.

2. Language is important, and Spanish will get you nothing in the business world. Chinese, Arabic, or Japanese and you can write your paycheck IF you are fluent. Other languages fall in between.

3. Time in the geographic area and the contacts you have matter. You get those in service. Hence, the Intelligence specialties (above) usually fare better because they work on the ground more.

4. The political science degree really isn't that important unless you want to work for a Beltway political consulting company or a PVO (not much money either way). You'll need to add some business courses. Businesses pay the real money. Government is an easy, good paycheck for 9-5 work, but don't expect anything challenging or rewarding, unless a government suit job is your desire.

5. I agree with the other postings about trying to get a commission as an officer or a warrant officer, especially in the intelligence area. If you do become an officer, it's a long haul to 48 (Foreign Area Officer), but worth it.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 5 at 2014 12:13 PM

2014-02-05T12:13:54-05:00

What is your minor?

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Feb 5 at 2014 5:33 PM

2014-02-05T17:33:11-05:00

MI or CA. Either one would set you up for a good civilian job.

Response by SFC Daniel Alcivar made Feb 5 at 2014 6:14 PM

2014-02-05T18:14:23-05:00

You can try the State Department or CIA

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 8:17 AM

2014-03-18T08:17:57-04:00

SGT(P) Hughes,

I graduated with a BA in Poli-Sci, minor in International Relations, was commissioned an Armor Officer, and have served in leadership positions from Platoon Leader to Battalion Commander, and on Staffs from Battalion to Division and Multinational and Coalition.

What I learned in getting my poli-sci undergraduate degree has helped me in decision making, analysis, discource, understanding the problem, communicating, systems understanding, and overall information sorting.

I have used my undergrad skills throughout my Army Career including Masters of Arts studies. I believe that a poli-sci degree prepares you for a myriad of job opportunities, in the Army and after. A simple internet search will list scores of jobs that poli-sci grads can get, and the Army will only help refine those skills learned in getting your degree.

Hope this was not too general, but also helpful.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Aug 8 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-08-08T10:04:36-04:00

Human Resource might be a good idea. It falls in line with what you already know, and the field is growing. Just a thought, mind you, but it does seem to be more in keeping with the career path you have already chosen.
I have a BA in Human Resource/Management, and though its not often considered, it is a growing, and very interesting field for many with political science as a background.