ÌÇÐÄVlog

Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your Major and Related Occupations

Year 1

• Explore the major through the Hood College political science website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
• Visit the and the websites.
• Take the to learn more about additional areas of career interest.
• Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.

Year 2

• Visit with a counselor in the Career Center to update your resume and consider locations for a political science related internship.
• Explore club and engagement opportunities related to the political science major.
• If eligible, investigate federal work study positions in a department of career related interest.

Year 3

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either political science or employment related.
• Meet with staff in the Career Center to identify potential internships, consider competitive national experiences.

Year 4

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either political science or employment related. Be sure to include your research skills.
• If you have not already completed an internship, enroll in one, or complete a second internship experience, to gain additional work experience and/or college credit.

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1

• Explore club and engagement opportunities related to the political science major.

Year 2

• Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field.

Year 3

• Attend Chamber of Commerce industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these.
• Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
• Shadow professionals or alumni who work in the field.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field.

Year 4

• Attend the annual Business Etiquette Dinner.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the political science field.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1

• Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more local organization.

Year 2

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries.
• Regularly check the Handshake events page to see employers providing information sessions on campus.
• If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities within the job field.
• Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest.

Year 3

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair and/or STEM Career Expo to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns.
• Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search.
• Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.
• Attend conferences of professional associations.

Year 4

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may be recruiting new hires.
• Attend conferences of professional associations.

• Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor
• Work with tutors at the Writing Center
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

Learn more about careers in political science:

• Public policy
• Urban planning
• City or town management
• Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Services
• Program administration
• General services
• Community affairs
• Social services
• Law enforcement
• Counties
• Cities
• Municipalities
• Townships
• School districts
• Departments of state government
• Legislative agencies
• Court systems

Explore more career opportunities in political science: