Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

Political science is the study of conflict and cooperation within societies. In order to make sense of the political world, political scientists investigate concepts such as justice, liberty, representation and democracy.

International political and cultural perspective: Understanding of context and implications of current events.

Public speaking skills: Comfortable debating ideas and influencing people.

Critical and strategic thinking: Multi-disciplinary breadth and depth of knowledge.

Policy analysis: Knowledge of governance (global/national and current events); inclusion of local, provincial and national events simultaneously; understanding of judicial and political realms.

Logistical and critical thinking: Making observations; analyze and synthesize large amounts of data; organized and able to meet deadlines.

Communication skills: Explaining ideas, writing and presenting information articulately and analytically; public speaking; compiling carefully reasoned reports and essays.

Conflict resolution: Influencing and persuading people/groups; aptitude for leadership; mediation and negotiation within conflicts; critical listening and interview abilities.

Problem solving skills: Approaching topics and problems from various perspectives; analyzing multiple dimensions of a problem; identifying problems and developing solutions.

Research skills: Qualitative and quantitative research including data collection; processing information and presenting the findings in a clear and easy to understand format recognizing only the salient facts; application of information for policy development methods.

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

• American Political Science Association
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Council for International Cooperation
• Canadian Institute of International Affairs
• Canadian Political Science Association
• Department Foreign Affairs & International Trade
• European Consortium for Political Research
• Institute for Research on Public Policy
• International Political Studies Association
• Public Service Commission of Canada

Aligned Majors

Canadian Studies

Communication and Media Studies

General Commerce

Sociology

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

Faculty Contact

Arts Students' Centre
Social Sciences Building, SS102
T: 403.220-6318
E: ascarts@ucalgary.ca
W: arts.ucalgary.ca/advising

Clubs on Campus:

Women in Politics

Career Services
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers