When John Burgess, Frank Gooodnow, and several others created the first organized group of political scientists in the United States, they named it the Political Science Association. This caused the study of politics to become a professional pursuit. The goal of political scientists is not to express how something should be done but to study and explain the political world. Although the job of political scientist is to study government systems, it can also lead to careers as a lobbyist, economist, and even a lawyer. However, to become a political scientist you must achieve a masters or doctorate after eight years of study. The skills attained from courses taken during that time will prepare you for a career in political science.
“Political scientists study origin, development, and operation of political systems” (bls.gov). When countries’ laws are studied, so are topics like public opinion, political parties, and economics (sokanu.com).  “The political scientist asks intelligent and answerable questions, and then the process of gathering data or doing research begins” (sokanu.com). Additionally, they can predict where the political climate of a country is headed.
Place of work for an average political scientist is a full time office job, with the hours  often extending to time outside office (bls.gov). “More than half worked for the federal government in 2016” (bls.gov). The job outlook for someone looking into a career in political science is facing slightly tougher odds. “Employment of political scientists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2014 to 2024. Political scientists should face strong competition for jobs as the number of candidates is expected to exceed the number of available positions” (bls.gov).  However, the median salary of a political scientist is worth the competitive effort. The median annual wage for political scientists in May, 2016 was $114,290 (bls.gov).

A political science degree does not limit the options of potential career choices of a person in the job market. Some people with political science degrees end up going on to practice law. A political science degree is useful while practicing law and offers a unique dynamic which opens doors to interesting fields. An economist is also a potential career for a political scientist. “Most economists need a master’s degree or Ph.D. However, some entry-level jobs—primarily in the federal government—are available for workers with a bachelor’s degree”  (bls.gov). Another job option for a political scientist is a sociologist. “Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together” (bls.gov).  Press representative is also a key career that can be handled well by a political scientist. “They arrange as much press and media coverage as possible for a candidate running for office” (Encyclopedia of careers pg. 238).
Becoming a political scientist is a long road of education that requires 8 years of school for a masters degree and 12 years for a doctorate. “Most political scientists need to complete either a master’s or Ph.D. program. To be admitted to a graduate program, applicants should complete undergraduate courses in political science, writing, and statistics. Applicants can also benefit from having related work or internship experience” (bls.gov).  A degree specifically in political science is not needed to obtain a job as one. Many people have degrees in other public policy related fields such as public relations. However, a masters degree is still required in the field of choice and usually requires the same reading and writing skills as one would need in the political science field. “Political scientists often complete a master of public administration (MPA), master of public policy (MPP), or master of public affairs degree. These programs usually combine several disciplines, and students can choose to concentrate in a specific area of interest” (bls.gov).  What’s always looked for from a political science applicant is if they interned anywhere previous to their job search. “Jobseekers… can benefit from internships or volunteer work when looking for…positions in political science or a related field. Internships can give students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting and to develop the analytic, research, and writing skills needed for the field” (bls.gov). Experience gained from interning for a political science career is a great way to standout from other applicants.
Analytic, critical thinking, communication, and writing skills are the most important factors in determining whether one is right for the political science field.
” Political scientists often use qualitative and quantitative research methods. They rely on their analytical skills when they collect, evaluate, and interpret data. They often collaborate with other researchers when writing reports or giving presentations. They must communicate their findings to a wide variety of audiences. Political scientists must be able to examine and process available information and draw logical conclusions from their findings. Writing skills are also essential for political scientists, because they often write research papers” (bls.gov).
	The political science field is a competitive, interesting career that explores the study of politics in government systems. Long hours of education are essential to achieve a degree that can get you in a position as a political scientist. With the right skill set, a person who works hard in that field can achieve amazing heights in the unique career that is a political scientist.



Outline:
Theisis:
I.	Functions of Job
A.	Overview of political scientist career
B.	Work Environment
1.	Median Salary
2.	Career outlook 2014-2024
II.	Careers political science can lead to
A.	Science and Law Sector
B.	Economist
III.	How to become a political scientist
A.	Education
1.	Useful degrees to earn
B.	Interning
IV.	Important personal qualities
A.	Analytic skills
B.	Communication skills
C.	Critical thinking skills
D.	Writing skills