Skills you’ll develop
Studying Political Science empowers you to unlock the forces that shape our world. You’ll gain a toolkit of valuable and transferable skills as you dive into the big questions of how societies organize, make decisions, and exercise power across communities, countries, and global institutions.
These skills may include:
- Thinking critically and analytically about how power operates in different contexts, from your local community to the international stage.
- Working collaboratively to explore the political, legal, economic, and social forces that shape our present and future.
- Tackling complex problems by weighing multiple viewpoints and crafting thoughtful, evidence-based solutions.
- Identifying hidden influences, like assumptions, values, and ideologies, that shape political outcomes.
- Mastering research methods, from qualitative interviews to crunching quantitative data, interpreting statistics, and distilling key insights.
- Writing with clarity and purpose, making strong, persuasive arguments grounded in political theory and real-world knowledge.
- Sharpening your voice in public speaking and debate, presenting reasoned, compelling positions with confidence.
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government or politics, non-profit, law, journalism, public relations, international development, consulting, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Campaign manager
- Charitable organization director
- Communications manager
- Copywriter
- Customs officer
- Diplomat
- Economic analyst
- Economic development officer
- Elections officer
- Foreign service officer
- Government official
- Human resources manager
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- Indigenous affairs officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Intelligence investigator
- International development worker
- Journalist
- Labour organizer
- Labour relations mediator
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Market analyst
- Market researcher
- Media relations manager
- Member of Parliament
- News analyst
- Ombudsperson
- Parliamentary assistant
- Police officer
- Policy advisor
- Political organizer
- Political scientist
- Public affairs officer
- Public opinion interviewer
- Public relations specialist
- Social policy researcher
- Speech writer
- Teacher or Professor
- Trade development director
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- UBC Political Science: Undergraduate TA Program
Winter Session applications open each year in March. - UBC Political Science Students’ Association
Meet other UBC students through events and programs. - Model United Nations Student Association at UBC
Collaborate with other students to propose resolutions to global issues through United Nations-style simulations. - UBC Model Parliament
Research and debate public policy in Term 2 through this snapshot experience of the Canadian Parliamentary system. - Political Science co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others. - Departmental events
Network with Political Science students and faculty members at a variety of events. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - UBC Journal of Political Studies
Showcase your research by submitting papers to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. - Arts Co-op Program
Gain paid work experience in your area of study as part of your degree program - Go Global
Learn about international opportunities recommended by the Political Science department. - NATO Field School and Simulation Program
Dive into this experiential learning opportunity and gain course credit over the summer. - Leadership and volunteering at UBC
Browse various resources to gain local and international experience. - Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Develop new skills and gain practical knowledge in a heritage field over the summer. - Canada Summer Jobs Program
Check out summer jobs for full-time students. - Federal Student Work Experience Program
Apply for government positions across Canada through this student recruitment initiative - Parliamentary Internship Programme
Shadow a Member of Parliament over 10 months, available for recent graduates. - BC Legislative Internship Program
Assist a Member of the Legislative Assembly and observe the daily workings of the BC Legislature, available for recent graduates. - Ontario Legislature Internship Programme
If you’ve recently graduated, gain practical experience with the daily workings of the Ontario Legislature. - Council of the Federation Youth Internship Program
Gain experience working in Canadian intergovernmental relations after graduating. - United Nations Internships
Apply for unpaid internships in places like New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and more.
Post-graduation planning resources
Sign in to Canvas using your CWL to access the UBC Political Science Undergraduate Info Hub. The Hub is a centralized collection of advising materials for Political Science undergraduate students that includes post-graduation planning resources, such as:
- Pathways: These resources outline the most common post-graduation paths for Political Science students, including Law, Public Policy, Journalism, Consulting, and more. They also offer actionable advice to help you decide if one of these pathways is right for you.
- Post-Graduation Planning: Where to Begin: A short guide for thinking about your post-graduation future as a Political Science Major, including a tool to help you map out and reach your goals.
- Job Opportunities for POLI Majors: Research, internship, and employment opportunities for Political Science students and graduates.
- Deciding if Graduate School is Right for You: A guide to thinking about studying Political Science at the graduate level, including practical advice for the application process.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Political Science Association
- Assembly of First Nations
- Association of Canadian Studies
- BC Economic Development Association
- BC Political Studies Association
- BC Public Service
- Canadian Association for the Study of International Development
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
- Canadian Foreign Service Institute
- Canadian Political Science Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Cooperation Canada
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- Global Affairs Canada
- Government of Canada
- Institute for Research on Public Policy
- International Development Research Centre
- International Political Science Association
- NATO Association of Canada
- United Nations
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni career stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Political Science graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.