Just a few decades ago, no one knew about them. Today everything has changed dramatically; political scientists are one of the most desired guests on television talk shows; they are quoted by Internet resources and print publications. The profession of political scientist is experiencing its best times.
Political science is a science that studies political processes, history and power in society. The first followers of science appeared in Ancient Greece. Already in those distant times, thinkers Plato and Aristotle philosophized on the topic of state and power. Politics has always been an explosive mixture of money, power and influence. If you want to plunge into this world, observe and evaluate events from an expert point of view, the profession of political scientist is for you.
Description of the profession political scientist
Although the specialist's field of study includes exclusively politics, research is carried out in many areas of human life. The influence of the political system, changes in the system, the behavior of public figures, forecasting the future situation, trends in the country - all this is within the scope of study of a political scientist. A professional can easily determine the current balance of power in the political arena, can determine a tactical move and explain a diplomat’s statement.
Modern society is very changeable. Tracking the preferences of individual social groups, their needs and points of view is quite difficult. However, the data obtained forms the basis of new concepts and technologies, with the help of which they win presidential or parliamentary elections. The sought-after political scientist participates in television programs, speaks on the radio, and attends conferences and round tables. Often specialists work at universities where the subject “political science” is compulsory in humanities faculties.
Do not miss:
Pros and cons of the profession of political scientist
Advantages
- communication with interesting people;
- a specialist is always at the center of events, sometimes influencing the history of the state;
- participation in television programs, talk shows, conferences.
Flaws:
- the salary of an ordinary employee is quite low;
- subjectivity of opinion bears responsibility.
What does a political scientist do?
- study of political trends of the past, their influence on events in the future;
- exploring the relationships between politics, economics, religion and society;
- studying the influence of verbal and non-verbal technologies on individual social groups;
- research into the activities of political parties, authorities and other government agencies;
- The work of a specialist is associated with the profession of psychologist. There is also psychological motivation here;
- development of forecast trends for the future state.
Political scientist as a profession. Pros and cons of the profession. Where to study to become a political scientist. A political scientist is a specialist in politics who studies and analyzes significant events in political life.
What does a political scientist do?
A political scientist deals with everything related to politics. Such a specialist examines various phenomena of socio-political life, considers them both in the context of modern realities and from the point of view of the entire world history, identifies their consequences and the degree of social significance. The political scientist also traces the connections of political events with various spheres of social life. At the same time, a political scientist actively uses various methods of political science, uses statistical data and is based on the concepts of logic.
Political scientists publish the results of their activities in various scientific and journalistic publications. In addition, they often participate in specialized forums and conferences and appear in the media as experts. Thus, political scientists are a kind of educators for ordinary citizens who are not versed in politics, develop their political literacy and make politics understandable to everyone.
The activities of political scientists are especially active before the elections of political figures. Often a political scientist represents the interests of one of the candidates, creating a positive image for him; this helps the political scientist make good money, but can harm his reputation and call into question his objectivity.
Since the profession of political scientist is just developing, narrower specializations are appearing within it. So we can distinguish a political analyst, expert or consultant, political science teacher, political journalist, political strategist, political image maker and speechwriter. An image maker and speechwriter are involved in preparing for elections, creating the image of politicians, and writing election speeches. These specialists work for a specific politician or political party and do not claim to be impartial political scientists.
Political scientists work in government agencies, public and political organizations, press centers, media outlets, companies engaged in election technologies and political consulting.
Profession political scientist: pros and cons
The main advantages of the profession include high wages and fairly low competition in the labor market.
The downside is that a political scientist becomes truly in demand only after he has already earned himself a good reputation and a big name. For many years before this, he must work hard and hard for his name and establish contacts in the authorities.
Qualities of a political scientist
The profession of a political scientist cannot do without such qualities as
- a large stock of knowledge in the field of world politics, law, history, economics and many other disciplines
- broad outlook and erudition
- constant monitoring of political events occurring in the world
- Analytical mind
- critical thinking
- charisma
- communication skills
- the ability to clearly and competently express one’s thoughts in oral and written speech
Where to study to become a political scientist?
To become a political scientist, you must obtain a higher education in the humanities with a degree in Political Science or one of the following specialties:
- Story
- International relationships
- Foreign Regional Studies
- Sociology
The list of possible specialties for a future political scientist is quite wide and varied; they can be found in many universities in Russia, for example, in the following:
- Northwestern Institute of Management - Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation
- Moscow State University named after. M.V. Lomonosov
- Moscow State University of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
- Russian State Humanitarian University
- International Ecological and Political Science University
- Institute of World Civilizations
- Moscow Humanitarian University
- Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
- Moscow Polytechnic University
- Russian Economic University named after G.V. Plekhanov.
How does a political scientist differ from a politician?
A politician is someone who is directly involved in politics.
A political scientist is someone who studies, observes political processes and players, and, on the basis of this, advises current politicians.
Roughly speaking, a politician is a distance athlete, a political scientist is a coach, a referee (only partly as an observer), and a commentator.
What will I be able to do?
Everyone can talk about politics, like the weather. Joseph Schumpeter, one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th century, aptly spoke about the level of most of such reasoning: “... As soon as an ordinary citizen touches on political issues, he sinks to a lower level of mental activity. He argues and analyzes in a way that would seem infantile to him in relation to the sphere of his own interests.”
The educational program “Political Science” at the National Research University Higher School of Economics is not “talking heads”, “talking about politics”. They know that thinking about politics is a rigorous exercise. They are prepared for various types of activities in politics and “near” politics, prepared for critical perception and analysis of information about politics in Russia and abroad, understand how political institutions work, how and what people do in politics and “near” it .
The diversity of modern politics requires a combination of different levels of analysis - from individual to global, as well as various tools - both quantitative and qualitative. Students who choose the educational program "Political Science" receive both fundamental training (through the study of economics, sociology, history, law, etc.) and practice-oriented (through the study of special disciplines, including comparative politics, political analysis, political theory, world politics). Thanks to this combination, graduates achieve results both in academic research and in the field of applied policy analysis and consulting, management and GR.
Where will I work?
The labor market for graduates of the Political Science educational program is very dynamic, and the organization of educational and extracurricular activities in the program allows us to take these features into account. Much attention is paid to organizing student practice: in order to provide an individual approach to each student, a special Tutor Center has been created at the faculty.
Political science graduates are not only specialists in the field of GR and political PR, but also analysts, academic researchers, employees of public organizations and party offices, political journalists, and founders of their own businesses.
Our graduates are highly in demand in the labor market: according to surveys, all 100% of graduates of the Political Science program are employed within a year after graduation, while most of them find work while still students: many of the students receive offers from employers after completing an internship.
Political science students undergo internships in state, regional and municipal authorities; scientific and consulting centers; analytical and GR departments of commercial enterprises; editorial offices of the media.
Among them:
- State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation
- Ministry of Labor and Social Development of the Russian Federation
- Federal Agency for Youth Affairs of the Russian Federation
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation
- Communication holding "Minchenko Consulting"
- Strategic Communications Agency "Niccolo M"
- PJSC Lukoil
- ANO "Center for Anti-Corruption Research and Initiatives "Transparency International-R""
- LLC "Ketchum Maslov"
- Deloitte & Touche CIS
- LLC "Telekanal Dozhd"
Examples of employment
Gazprmoneft-Razvitie LLC – Head of PR Department
Uralsib Bank – Senior Vice President, Head of GR Department
LDPR – Head of the Moscow branch
LLC “Publishing House of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs” – General Director / Editor-in-Chief
Kommersant Publishing House – Correspondent of the economic policy department
Those who believe that they work in their specialty and related fields most often work:
- in analytical agencies and departments ( Center for Political Technologies)
- in consulting agencies ( PriceWaterhouseCoopers)
- in the public relations and marketing departments ( Procter&Gamble)
- in communication agencies ( Public Relations Development Company (CROS))
- in government bodies and state corporations (State Duma apparatus, Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, federal ministries and departments, Gazpromneft-Razvitie LLC)
- in the media ( Publishing house "Kommersant", radio station "Echo of Moscow", VGTRK, MIA "Russia Today")
- in public organizations and apparatuses of political parties ( Center for Anti-Corruption Research and Initiatives "Transparency International-R", LDPR)
- in the scientific and educational field ( Columbia University, New York University, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow School of Economics Skolkovo, RANEPA).
Our graduates also work in major banks, investment and insurance companies.
The most common entrance exams:
- Russian language
- Mathematics (basic level)
- History - specialized subject, at the choice of the university
- Foreign language - at the choice of the university
- Social studies - by choice of university
- Geography - at the choice of the university
The major test is always history; applicants also take the Russian language test. The university, at its discretion, selects one or two additional tests in the following subjects: foreign language, social studies, world geography.
The term “politics” itself was formed about 2.5 thousand years ago, when the ancient Greeks tried to give a single concept a name for the totality of such spheres of life as government activity, economic events and social activity. Now political scientists study not only these three areas, but also delve into sociology, psychology, analytical history and other sociological disciplines. For those who want to build a career in politics, gaining knowledge and initial practical skills through this program is a must.
Brief description of the specialty
There are several specializations in the field of Political Science, including: public policy and management; regional studies and political culture; political analysis and forecasting; theory of politics. The knowledge gained during undergraduate studies will help not only to collect the necessary information and analyze it, but also to plan or predict the likelihood of a particular event. This specialty will be incredibly interesting for those who are interested in the intricate threads of international relations, treaties and agreements, the influence of one event on another, the reasons and significance of the actions of this or that political figure.
For a political consultant, there is always an opportunity to earn money by predicting the future actions of a political opponent for a client. The profession is truly unique. The knowledge gained during training will greatly help in journalistic, entrepreneurial, teaching activities, as well as in the process of employment in the field of PR.
Large universities in the capital
Educational institutions in Moscow with the highest ratings that offer mastery of the specialty “Political Science” in the undergraduate program:
- Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov;
- MGIMO Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation;
- Moscow State University of Linguistics;
- Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation;
- REU im. V.G. Plekhanov;
- another dozen and a half metropolitan educational institutions.
Terms and forms of training
Studying for a bachelor's degree will take 4 years if you are studying full-time, and 5 years if you master the specialty part-time or in a mixed form (part-time and part-time, when classes are held in the evenings on weekdays).
Subjects studied by students
In addition to general education disciplines, the program for each educational profile consists of a set of specialized subjects. Among the important disciplines:
- domestic and foreign history of politics, history of political directions and trends;
- political theory;
- aspects of modern public policy of the Russian Federation;
- traditional and innovative views on international relations;
- modern world politics;
- political psychology;
- rhetoric and oratory.
Universities consider it necessary for students to have practical classes and electives in communication, speaking and other skills, as well as practical training in the existing headquarters of political parties and representative offices of public organizations. Students will have to constantly work to expand their horizons and improve their intellectual abilities.
Gained knowledge and skills 
Bachelor's degree graduates must be aware of the activities of the headquarters of a political organization, be able to plan and organize the work of the headquarters, distribute responsibilities and plan events in accordance with the goals set. Important skills that students acquire during the learning process:
- write plans and texts for speeches and reports, present the report in public;
- understand modern political trends and structures of different countries;
- be able to predict the development of international relations, find the causes of conflicts and ways to resolve them;
- organize public and presentation events.
Who to work with
The most desirable prospect for political science students is to become an expert in political science who knows the current situation in the Russian Federation and abroad, can advise on relevant issues, as well as develop a strategy and manage the election campaign of a candidate for elected office. After graduation, yesterday's students are employed in the following positions:
- political consultant;
- organizer or functionary of the election headquarters;
- specialist of the press service and other services under the municipal or other administration;
- assistant, deputy assistant;
- organizer of public events;
- political strategist;
- representative of a public, youth or other organization;
- specialist in corporate policy and PR organization;
- consultant in a consulting agency, analyst in a government center;
- Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, researcher.
The salary level depends on the place of work, region of the country and previous experience. The starting salary for the position of assistant or PR specialist can range from 25-30 thousand rubles. Analysts and consultants with extensive experience receive very decent money. In addition to your main job, you can engage in private consulting or teaching.
Continuing training in the specialty
For many bachelors, the desired option is to study for a master's degree in a similar specialization. You can enroll in a master's program either immediately after completing your bachelor's degree or after some time has passed. For working applicants there is a mixed or part-time form of master's study. Further education will be of interest to those planning a teaching job; a career as an analyst or scientific consultant, which requires the preparation and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation.
Profession political scientist
Even children sometimes try to interpret events in public life on an amateur level. We all have our own understanding of what is happening in the country and beyond. We are all trying, based on the knowledge that we have, to understand the reasons for the actions of public figures and people in power. And most of all, forecasts for future events are of interest. There are people who have proven more than once that they understand politics much more than the majority of people. A political scientist is a recognized expert in the field of social and economic life of society, who often has experience of cooperation with one or another political force, or an appropriate education that allows him to reasonably interpret events in the state.
The definition of politics first took shape in ancient Greece around the 5th century BC. e. Before this, no one had united state events, public life and the economy into one concept. Therefore, the very origin of this word is Greek. The science of this concept appeared thanks to the works of the world famous Aristotle. Later, this science was supplemented by more and more knowledge from psychology, sociology and vast experience of events that had already occurred, by which one could judge what would happen in the near future. After all, the basis of political science is history. All famous philosophers of antiquity and many priests can be considered political scientists. A clear definition, object and tasks of this science were formed only in 1948 and recognized by almost all states of the world.…
It is difficult to determine the importance of such a profession. Many influential people pay a lot of money to these specialists because they help predict the actions of their opponents for money. This makes it possible, for example, to discredit competitors for the desired position in the ministry or parliament. Otherwise, a political scientist is no more necessary than an ordinary astrologer-predictor, whom the majority do not believe at all.
People with such a profession are a rare occurrence. The fact is that there are a limited number of places where they can work, other than political parties. Often, political scientists combine this profession with the work of a journalist, economist, teacher or private entrepreneur. Of course, it is impossible to live simply by giving an interview to a magazine or TV channel once a month. Requirements for such a profession: objectivity, knowledge of history, sociology and psychology, developed logical thinking. A successful political scientist has every chance of becoming a famous person, often sparkling with his intellect on the TV screen, and receiving good money for advice from various prominent figures.
Such work is associated with intrigue and dirt, which is present in the political life of any state. Of course, an authoritative political scientist will be approached with persistent proposals and even demands to keep silent about something, or to launch deliberate disinformation in order to confuse the electorate and competitors. But this is already a political game - there are high stakes, but also huge jackpots.
There is such a specialty in universities - “political science”. Naturally, for a person who wants to build a career in this field, it would be good to master this specialty. But if a sociologist, historian or any other specialist makes self-fulfilling forecasts for elections, correctly interprets current events and gives practical advice to politicians and businessmen, then he, too, has every chance of becoming a successful political scientist. Those political scientists who teach this specialty at prestigious universities in the country are especially highly valued.