EIU Department of Political Science

CAREERS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Because our majors are widely trained with strong critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, they enter a wide variety of careers. Our students are also ready to adapt to new career opportunities. Their knowledge of government and strategy prepares them for careers in the public, non-profit, and private sectors.

Students gain key career building/planning skills beginning in their first year, through academic advising, coursework, the Political Science Association, and culminating in their senior capstone course.

Placements over the past 10 years include:

• Government Careers: city, state, county, federal government and military offices and agencies, 27%
• Political and Social advocacy: campaign managers, outreach coordinators, lobbyists, nonprofits managers, policy research, 11%
• Law or Legal Research, 15%
• Higher Education: faculty, administrators, advisers, coordinators, fundraisers, 16%
• Private Sector: banking, finance, insurance, health care, government liaisons, 25%

Examples of recent placements include:

Shirmeen Ahmad, Resource Development Coordinator, YWCA Chicago

Jeff Bousson, Sustainability Officer, Central Washington University

Jerald Ducay, Senior Planner, Burleson, TX

Karleen Gernady, Management Analyst, Village of Lindenhurst, IL

Jacob Griffin, Senior Director, Development & Planned Giving, Purdue Research

Alisa Hill, Compensation Coordinator/HR Design & Strategy, City Colleges of Chicago

Matthew Jacobs, Attorney, Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings

Lindsey Juszczak, Victim Witness Coordinator, Coles County State's Attorney

Rachel Kaiser, Field Representative, Congressman Bost

Phil Love, Project Director, City of Naperville

Austin Mejdrich, Chief of Staff, IL State Representative Walker

Edwyn Mitchell, Senior Global Manager, Events & Field Marketing, Constructor

Maralea Negron, Director of Operations, Democratic Party of IL

Jacob Nudelman, Deputy Budget Director, City of Chicago

Jennifer Prillaman, Foreign Service Officer, State Department, Japan

Courtney Sage, Assistant Village Administrator, Cary, IL

Ashley Shula, Associate Attorney, Growe, Eisen, Karlen & Eilerts

Reggie Thedford, Legal Counsel, Restore Your Vote Campaign

Ciara Wagoner, Chief Legislative Liaison, IL Environmental Protection Agency

Lily Walton, Executive Director, Champaign County Housing Authority