Posted on Jan 31, 2014

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

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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. 

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Career Advice

Posted 12 y ago

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Responses: 14

MAJ Jim Woods

Posted 12 y ago

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

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CPT Zachary Brooks

11 y

This is where my mind went as well. Political Science has done me a great deal of good in Intelligence.

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MAJ Joseph Parker

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

I am going to submit a packet for Civil Affairs. I really want to get a government job working something on the lines of Clandestine Services, something that will have me working towards a cause, but not so mainstream. I am not the public type.

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MAJ Joseph Parker

12 y

SGT(P): You should probably discuss this with your branch, or connect with me so we can discuss it a bit on a closed channel.

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SSgt George Brown

12 y

I agree MAJ, Business Psychology would also be a good minor, anything that would help in getting into the head of your counterpart would be the thing to do. AND your brain is not a zero sum organ!
SGT(P), I like that you do a class a semester. Doing diverse courses could be the most beneficial thing you are doing, who knows, you may find you have a love of teaching!

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SPC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

I am going to start preparing myself to take the DLAB test. The test seems like it's going to be tough.

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LTC Jason Mackay

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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LTC Jason Mackay

12 y

Thinking a little more, if you do not have an officer or NCO with experience where you are, you can always try calling the branch manager for that field. Do a little research, structure the questions you will ask, send them in advance, and set up a call.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

Thank you so much for sharing this information with me. I'll continue to do research and hopefully my next assignment will be towards that field.

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LTC Jason Mackay

12 y

Do not hope. Set the conditions and ask the questions.

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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>

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SrA Daniel Hunter

Posted 12 y ago

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?

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

I really want to do something that will allow me to interact with foreign countries, both allies and (not quite)allies. My wife and I want to move to the DC area afterwards.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

38B Is probably what you are looking for:

http://sorbrecruiting.com/CA.htm

check out his in website. everything you need is on there. I would contact a recruiter and find out when they will be near you and attend one of thier briefings.

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SrA Daniel Hunter

12 y

Okay, so you are probably looking at Foreign Service Officer with the State Department.  They have five different career tracts.  In light of that, Civil Affairs is your best bet.  Also, Muna is correct.  You will want to volunteer on political campaigns even doing phone banks and putting up signs to start.  Also, don't be shy about calling your Senator or Representative and asking to meet with them.  Get connected politically!<div><br><div><div>Also here is what I know about the Foreign Service Officer process.  Here is a link: http://careers.state.gov/officer</div><div><br><div>I suggest that after you determine which track you want take that you get a test study guide.  If you are staying in the Army for 20 then you have some time.  They usually do testing every year and you can take it locally.  In addition, if you don't know one already, I suggest learning a foreign language.  Picking one that is in demand may take some forecasting on your part, however Arabic is undoubtedly a good choice.  Also, plan your testing a couple years before your retirement.  For one reason the process takes significant time, the other is almost no one gets a job after their first test.</div></div></div><div>There are a couple of other options: The U.N. and Foreign Trade.  I know very little about them, only enough to know you will be in good shape if you follow a path to Foreign Service Officer and decide later to take one of the other.  </div><div><br></div><div>Best of luck to you Sergeant!</div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://careers.state.gov/uploads/5a/79/5a798cc7207c324d1aa0392b7194a061/seal-transparent.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://careers.state.gov/officer">Foreign Service Officer - U.S. Department of State</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SSG (Join to see)

12 y

I've actually been working on a Civil Affairs packet. The DLAB test is scaring the heck out of me lol. Thanks for the advice.

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Cpl Glynis Sakowicz

Posted >1 y ago

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.

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LTC (Join to see)

Posted 12 y ago

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.

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SFC Daniel Alcivar

Posted 12 y ago

You can try the State Department or CIA

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

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