How to become a political scientist

How to become a Political Scientist

Becoming a political scientist requires a strong educational background, relevant work experience, and a deep understanding of political systems and theories. Here is a detailed guide on how to become a political scientist:

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree: The first step towards becoming a political scientist is earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or a related field like international relations, public policy, or economics. During your undergraduate studies, you will learn about political theory, political systems, and international relations.
• Consider a Master's Degree: While a bachelor's degree may be enough to get entry-level jobs in the field, a Master's Degree in Political Science is often preferred for advanced research and teaching positions. A master's degree can also help you specialize in a particular area of political science, such as international relations, public policy, or comparative politics.
• Gain Relevant Work Experience: You can gain relevant work experience by working as an intern or volunteer in political campaigns, government agencies, think tanks, or other organizations related to politics. This experience can help you build your skills and knowledge in the field and also make valuable professional connections.
• Develop Your Research Skills: Political scientists are often involved in research and data analysis. To be successful in this field, you need to develop strong research skills, including the ability to collect and analyze data, interpret statistics, and write research reports.
• Stay Up-to-Date on Current Events: It's important to stay up-to-date on current events and political developments, as this can help you understand political trends and changes that may affect your work as a political scientist. You can stay informed by reading news articles, academic journals, and attending political events.
• Consider a PhD: A PhD in Political Science can help you develop advanced research skills and prepare you for academic and research positions in the field. A PhD can also help you specialize in a particular area of political science and conduct independent research in that area.
• Build Your Professional Network: Building a professional network is essential in any career, and political science is no exception. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with other political scientists in your field. Building these relationships can help you find job opportunities, collaborate on research projects, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field.

Associations
Here are some associations that can be useful for political scientists:

• American Political Science Association (APSA): The APSA is a professional organization for political scientists in the United States. It has over 12,000 members and aims to promote the study of politics and government.
• International Political Science Association (IPSA): The IPSA is a global association of political scientists, with over 3,500 members from around the world. Its mission is to promote the development of political science and to encourage collaboration among scholars.
• European Consortium for Political Research (ECPR): The ECPR is a network of political science researchers from across Europe. It hosts conferences, publishes journals, and provides funding for research.
• Association for Politics and the Life Sciences (APLS): The APLS is a professional association that focuses on the intersection of political science and the life sciences, including biology, psychology, and neuroscience.
• National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS): The NCOBPS is a professional association for African American political scientists, with a mission to promote the study of politics and government from a perspective that is informed by the experiences of black people.
• Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA): The MPSA is a regional association for political scientists in the Midwest United States. It hosts an annual conference and publishes a journal.
• Latin American Studies Association (LASA): The LASA is a professional organization for scholars of Latin America, including political scientists. It aims to promote research and teaching on Latin America and the Caribbean.

Certifications
There are several certifications that political scientists can pursue to enhance their skills and demonstrate their expertise in their field. Here are some of the most popular certifications:

• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) - This certification is offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) and is designed for professionals who work in government financial management. Political scientists who work in budgeting and financial management roles may find this certification useful.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) - This certification is offered by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and is designed for professionals who work in association management. Political scientists who work in advocacy and lobbying roles may find this certification helpful.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) - This certification is offered by the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) and is designed for professionals who manage research projects. Political scientists who work in research roles may find this certification useful.
• Certified Public Manager (CPM) - This certification is offered by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium and is designed for professionals who work in government management. Political scientists who work in leadership and management roles may find this certification valuable.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) - This certification is offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is designed for professionals who work in fundraising roles. Political scientists who work in political campaigns or non-profit organizations may find this certification helpful.