19-3094.00

Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Career Cluster:Management & Entrepreneurship
Job Family:Life, Physical, and Social Science
Job Zone:Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Government
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Technology Tools

IBM SPSS StatisticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft Active Server Pages ASPMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft SharePointRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatTableauPythonSAP softwareSAS

Key Tasks

  • Teach political science.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
  • Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
  • Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
  • Advise political science students.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
  • Identify issues for research and analysis.
  • Serve on committees.
  • Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
  • Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
  • Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
  • Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
  • Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
81%
Speaking
78%
Active Learning
78%
Active Listening
78%
Writing
75%
Critical Thinking
75%
Social Perceptiveness
69%
Complex Problem Solving
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
Instructing
63%
Learning Strategies
63%
Systems Evaluation
53%
Coordination
50%
Mathematics
50%
Systems Analysis
50%
Service Orientation
50%
Time Management
47%
Persuasion
47%
Monitoring
47%
Negotiation
44%
Science
41%
Operations Analysis
38%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Management of Material Resources
16%
Management of Financial Resources
16%
Programming
13%
Technology Design
13%
Operations Monitoring
10%
Quality Control Analysis
10%
Repairing
0%
Troubleshooting
0%
Installation
0%
Operation and Control
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Law and Government
91%
English Language
86%
Education and Training
82%
History and Archeology
61%
Mathematics
60%
Communications and Media
57%
Sociology and Anthropology
55%
Geography
53%
Philosophy and Theology
52%
Computers and Electronics
50%
Administration and Management
44%
Foreign Language
38%
Administrative
36%
Economics and Accounting
36%
Psychology
35%
Personnel and Human Resources
33%
Customer and Personal Service
24%
Public Safety and Security
19%
Telecommunications
16%
Therapy and Counseling
15%
Transportation
9%
Sales and Marketing
7%
Fine Arts
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
6%
Biology
6%
Production and Processing
6%
Engineering and Technology
5%
Design
5%
Chemistry
5%
Physics
5%
Mechanical
4%
Building and Construction
3%
Food Production
2%

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Abilities

Written Comprehension
91%
Oral Expression
78%
Oral Comprehension
78%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Speech Clarity
75%
Written Expression
75%
Speech Recognition
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Near Vision
66%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Information Ordering
56%
Category Flexibility
53%
Fluency of Ideas
53%
Originality
53%
Mathematical Reasoning
50%
Flexibility of Closure
47%
Selective Attention
47%
Memorization
47%
Far Vision
38%
Time Sharing
35%
Speed of Closure
31%
Perceptual Speed
28%
Visualization
28%
Number Facility
28%
Auditory Attention
22%
Trunk Strength
19%
Hearing Sensitivity
16%
Visual Color Discrimination
16%
Finger Dexterity
13%
Depth Perception
10%
Wrist-Finger Speed
6%
Sound Localization
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Control Precision
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Manual Dexterity
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Analyzing Data or Information
95%
Getting Information
95%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
92%
Processing Information
90%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
89%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
88%
Training and Teaching Others
87%
Thinking Creatively
81%
Working with Computers
80%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
76%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
72%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
71%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
71%
Documenting/Recording Information
69%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
64%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
64%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
63%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
62%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
62%
Coaching and Developing Others
58%
Scheduling Work and Activities
56%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
56%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
46%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
44%
Developing and Building Teams
39%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
38%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
38%
Staffing Organizational Units
34%
Assisting and Caring for Others
34%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Selling or Influencing Others
28%
Controlling Machines and Processes
12%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
12%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
8%
Handling and Moving Objects
7%
Performing General Physical Activities
4%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
4%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
4%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
1%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

96%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

95%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

88%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

87%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

83%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

80%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

76%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

73%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

70%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

68%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

65%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

57%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

52%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

51%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

48%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

46%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

43%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

41%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

38%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

35%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

33%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

31%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

29%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

27%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

26%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

21%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

16%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

16%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

10%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

10%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

7%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

5%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

5%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

5%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

4%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

2%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

2%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

1%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

0%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

0%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

0%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

0%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

Doctoral degree

88%

Master's degree

8%

Post-doctoral training

4%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

94

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

46

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

45

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

43

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

41

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

0

Work Styles

Intellectual Curiosity
100%
Integrity
77%
Attention to Detail
73%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
68%
Dependability
64%
Innovation
63%
Adaptability
62%
Self-Confidence
55%
Perseverance
53%
Initiative
51%
Self-Control
38%
Social Orientation
38%
Stress Tolerance
34%
Leadership Orientation
33%
Sincerity
31%
Cautiousness
26%
Cooperation
24%
Empathy
20%
Optimism
9%
Humility
1%

Work Values

Working Conditions
78%
Achievement
78%
Recognition
72%
Independence
67%
Relationships
39%
Support
22%

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