Political Science majors beyond UMass Political science has something for everyone. In choosing political science you open many doors for potential career options and a bright future! The variety of public and private sector careers in political science means that there is a wide range of opportunities that could fit your goals. Whether you want to work in the U.S. or overseas, in a government, nonprofit or business setting, in a publically elected position or for a political campaign, in education, law or media, there are endless possibilities.

Political Science Beyond UMassCollege of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Who could you work for with a political science degree?

• Think Tanks / Research Institutions• Media Outlets (TV, Radio, Print, Digital)• Government Agencies (local, state & federal)• Political Campaigns• Consulting Firms

• Financial Institutions• Law Firms• Lobbying Firms• Education: K-12 or Higher Ed• and many others!

Real life internships of UMass political science majors

• Elizabeth Warren for Senate Campaign-Pawling, NY• Peace Development Fund - Amherst, MA• The Jaffa Cultural Heritage Project - Los Angeles• UMass Student Legal Services• Massachusetts Nonprofit Network• Environmental Protection Agency• Massachusetts Republican Party• Karuna Center for Peace Building - Amherst, MA

• Bacon Wilson Attorneys at Law -Springfield, MA

• Hamden Superior Court• Children’s Defense Fund• Office of MA State Senate President

Stanley Rosenberg• Office of the Governer of the State of NJ• Northeast Sustainable Energy Association

What is political science? Political Science is the study of political life in the varied contexts in which it occurs - institutions, social movements, power relations, elections, political culture, ideas, and war. The most significant purpose of political science is to help educate a reflective and active citizenry capable of sharing power and responsibility in a contemporary democracy.

Contact UsOffice of Career and Professional DevelopmentAdvising Resource Center | 128 Thompson Hall | Amherst, MA 01003 Tel: (413) 577-1057 | www.umass.edu/sbs/sbs-advising-resource-center

Shannon Emmett '19, Political Science & HistoryLegislative Aide, Massachusetts State Senate Office of State Senator Barry R. Finegold

As Legislative Aide, Shannon manages the Senator's schedule, staffs him at events in the district, manages his social media content, and writes monthly newsletters, local press releases and talking points for speaking engagements. She also conducts constituent outreach, tracks constituent feedback and manages office administrative duties. Shannon says her degrees equipped her with the writing skills necessary for this position, and her co-curricular experiences at UMass shaped her professionalism and ability to network and

build professional relationships with colleagues and constituents. Both taught her to take initiative, ask questions and approach projects with attention to detail and creative problem solving. The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and UMass Women into Leadership connected Shannon with internships in politics, where she gained experience in the field, learned about future job opportunities and met mentors whose guidance continues to help her find her path. Shannon says she is grateful to UMass for these skills and experiences that have helped her transition out of undergrad and into her first full-time job.

While at UMass, Shannon:

• Was a member of UMass Women Into Leadership (UWiL)• Was active in the Student Government Association• Worked for the Student Alumni Association

Alumni in Political ScienceCollege of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Will Soltero'19, Political Science & Journalism Communications Consultant, J. R. Reingold & Associates

Will’s career path took him from grassroots political campaigns, to Capitol Hill, and finally communications consulting. While studying political science at UMass, Will was a research intern for the nonpartisan anti-corruption nonprofit Represent Us in Northampton, MA. He took his passion for accountable governance to Washington, where he interned for Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal. With experience in nonprofits and government, he then went on to work as a fellow for Common Cause in Washington, DC, where he specialized in media outreach and communications strategy. Will now works as a Communications Consultant for nonprofits in Alexandria, VA.

While at UMass, Will:

• Was co-manager for Campus Design & Copy - a student-run cooperative business• Was Assistant Editor for News for the UMass Daily Collegian• Was a research assistant for a professor doing research on demographic voting trends