Everything about Becoming a Political Scientist

For someone who's very keen in observing, analyzing, and researching political materials, being a political scientist could be their dream job. But before indulging themselves about the good days as a political scientist, one needs to know the root of the field they will have to deal with, which is Political Science. Political science is a field of work that specializes in the study of the origin, development, and operation of political systems (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021a). Political Science first appeared in ancient Greece around the first century BCE. It began when Plato wrote many philosophy materials about politics, the nature of justice, the materials of good government, and the foundation of humanity. His student named Aristotle later joined him in the quest of finding a better assessment regarding how politics work (Maddocks, 2020). Aristotle is later known as “the Father of Political Science”. In modern days, a person who is working in the field of Political Science is called a political scientist. 

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In order to be a political scientist, a degree in either a master's or Ph.D. program is generally needed. Moreover, an applicant should first take undergraduate courses in Political Science, Writing, and Statistics.  Political scientists often have their Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy (MPP), Public Affairs (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021b). Nonetheless, it is important to note that someone who possesses a degree in Political Science does not necessarily end up as a political scientist. The job prospect for someone with a Political Science degree does not only cover the field of law and politics. According to Josh Meddaugh, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Clayton State University, a degree in Political Science has a versatile credential that can be used in many types of jobs. He also states that learning Political Science enhances analytical and rhetorical skills that are valuable in any type of working industry. A more detailed statement was conveyed by Kyle Kopko, an Associate Professor at Elizabethtown College, who says that the career opportunities for someone with a degree in Political Science depends on the type of sub-field he or she has specialized in. For example, if a student delves into American Politics, they will probably be able to have a career in American government agencies, non-profit organizations, or for political campaigns. Those who study Comparative Politics or International Relations have a chance to start a career in a foreign policy-related job (Kowarski, 2019). 

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Just like any other job, political scientists must face many challenges in order to perform their work properly and professionally. Professor Hussein Solomon, a lecturer at the University of Free State in Africa, describes the challenges that aspiring political scientists should expect to encounter. The first challenge is creating a better “fit” between International Relations theories and the changing world. The second issue will be exploring the interplay between technology and politics. The third challenge is the need to incorporate Political Anthropology into the core of Political Science modules. The last of the issues is the danger of an overspecialized field, wherein a political scientist may be “forced” to comprehend other academic fields (such as Economics) excessively, considering the fact that political scientist is a versatile job. 

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Nonetheless, there are bright sides of being a political scientist. A political scientist is considered as one of the most high-paying jobs, considering the fact that the median annual wage for political scientists in May 2020 was around $125,350  (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021c). Meanwhile, on average, the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was around $41,950. Meanwhile in Indonesia, a source from Rencanamu states that a political scientist can expect to receive Rp 6,000,000 per month. In addition to being paid a good salary, a political scientist can also benefit from the enhancement of their sensitivity regarding the constantly changing nature within the realm of politics around the globe. The fact that all political scientists work in a field that keeps changing and advancing is a special reminder on how continuously needed they will be for their political erudition.