As a Political Scientist, you look at what society needs and translate those needs into policy. Some want to work at an international organization, while other prefer a government ministry or a media corporation. Do you want to work at the European Commission? Or rather at the public affairs department of a multinational? As a Political Scientist you have many options. You are able to see the bigger picture and can give advice on the basis of social-scientific expertise. Your persuasiveness and analytical skills will be your biggest assets. You can serve wider interests and are open to the views of others. You are attractive for government agencies and societal organisations, to work as advisor, analyst, and policy officer. But you an also use your expertise in the business world or in journalism.
What can you do after your Bachelor’s degree?
Further your education
Are you keen to study climate change, European politics, or the effects of globalisation? In the English-language Master of Political Science, you can focus on one of the following specialisations:
- Democracy, Power, and Inequality
- Global Environmental Politics
- International Relations: Geopolitics and Global Political Economy
- International Relations: Peace and Security
If you followed a minor in a social science discipline, you can also choose one of the following Master’s at VU Amsterdam:
- Policy, Communication, and Organisation (in Dutch)
- Sociology (in Dutch)
- Journalism (in Dutch)
Start your career
As a Political Scientist, you can directly or indirectly make an impact on politics. Some students aspire to make a difference at the national level, while others want to play a role on the international stage. And sometimes, it is changes by companies or societal organizations that bring about much more far-reaching changes.
As a Political Scientist, you are aware of the power relations at play and are constantly trying to understand them. You can find work at a government institution, in a social organisation, or in the business sector.
Possible positions:
- Advisor
- Journalist
- Manager
- Researcher
- Policy officer