What does one do with a major in Political science, IR, Econ or American Studies?

[FresnoMom]

My son doesn't know what he wants to major in, so I suggested that he take the assessment on MyMajors.com - Find college majors or minors

He ranked high on the following majors:

American Studies
Political Science
International Relations
Economics

(He also does well in math but he doesn't consider that a strong interest.)

Any interesting potential careers with these majors? He most likely will be going to Stanford or UC Berkeley in the fall.

Thanks! :-)

[FLVADAD]

With those areas of study I would say he could go into virtually any field he wants that doesn't require a science or technical background -- same with getting into most graduate or professional programs.

Also, I don't think it is necessary for him to declare a major right away if he is just starting college unless he is going into something like engineering. Since that doesn't appear to be the case, why not give it some more time? Let him do some exploring before he decides. Lots of students end up changing their major once or twice, even when they enter school thinking they know what they want to do.

[atg4ever]

So many interesting careers. My S is in the same boat. His major is Poli. Sci. just like his old man. He personally would like to go on to graduate school in either law or business, then go into a career in politics whether in a lobbying group, industry association, PAC, or even run for office. I know of plenty of PoliSci majors that went on to Law school with a variety of focuses. Me personally, I majored in PoliSci w/Public Adm. minor, went on the obtain an MBA and MED and have been in international business development ever since. I also know of PoliSci majors that have gone on to careers in research, sociology, psychology, and a few other "ologies".

Economics is a big factor in PoliSci so being good with numbers is important. It would also help to know Statistics as well.

[mathmom]

Foreign Service officer, Lawyer, almost any kind of business or non-profits, Banking, Public Service, Government

[csleslie51]

Type "what can I do with a major in" into google. You will get links to various colleges that address just this issue.

[GoldieFish]

For example, from the University of Pennsylvania website, see the jobs that international relations majors had right out of college:
Career Services, University of Pennsylvania

Penn has similar lists for poli sci and economics majors. This is a good site since it shows actual positions held by recent grads and the companies who hired them.

[Karen Colleges]

Good tip for the google question. Of course, my son's obscure major isn't listed.....

[BlackTie]

I am in IT. Over the years, I've seen people from various majors who are successful in this field -- philosophy, economics, poli sci, IR... you name it.

[StitchInTime]

From Lehigh University's Department of International Relations:

* The Field of International Relations
* Careers in International Relations

[momrath]

FM, I think the more pertinent question would be "what can't you do with one of those majors?" Other than careers that require technical know-how -- engineer, nurse, photographer -- or careers that require advanced degrees -- doctor, lawyer, architect -- a liberal arts degree from a good college (or even moreso a TOP college like the ones your son is considering) is a launching pad for a myriad of careers in business, government, the arts, you name it. For many it's an entree to graduate or professional school.

Your son (and you) shouldn't worry about his major or his career just yet. He should take advantage of everything his college/university offers across a wide range of disciplines. He should take some chances, experiment. Focus on challenging himself intellectually; learn to analyze and evaluate, articulate in writing and orally.

Along the way he should seek summer jobs and internships in his area of interest. Maybe try an overseas experience.

The career counseling offices at selective colleges are very good at helping in job placements. His professors and advisors will also provide suggestions and recommendations. Alums offer connections and open doors. Things will fall into place!

[FresnoMom]

momrath

I think you hit it on the nose! :-)

Thanks for rephrasing my question because that is exactly what I meant.

Several people that know S well have said that S would not only excel but enjoy engineering. So perhaps the better approach would be to explore the various engineering fields this summer to see if S wants to keep that option open.

Thanks, all, for your help!

[OG57]

Go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics where they have expected salaries for graduates in different majors. I recall that Economics majors earned more after graduation the business majors.