Chicago Political Science Jobs Overview
Government and legislative processes are necessary for the well-being of citizens and democracy as a whole. But the public isn't always informed about the impact government policies have on their communities, states, and country. Political science professionals help keep the public informed and track critical data and trends. These positions include economists, political scientists, public relations managers, urban and regional planners, and politicians. Political science jobs can often be found in the federal government, universities, or professional, scientific, and technical services and are ideal for college-educated job seekers with an interest in public policy.
When you get a political science job, your duties may include conducting research for government agencies, businesses, or nonprofit organizations. You may also collect and analyze data, including public opinion surveys. Other common political science duties include evaluating the effects of policies, keeping track of current events, forecasting trends, and creating written documents and presentations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in political science positions over the next 10 years.
You can expand your search for social science jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Political Science Resume
Political science employers are primarily interested in knowing about your accomplishments, skills, and educational background, so your credentials should be clearly defined and easy for potential employers to read. Your resume should also be neat and free of errors. You can use the examples laid out in Monster's resume samples and best writing practices as a guide to writing your resume. A cover letter will likely be required when applying for a political science job. Make your cover letter stand out by briefly introducing yourself, highlighting your accomplishments, and discussing why you're a good candidate. See our sample cover letters and writing tips to get an idea of what your cover letter should contain.
How Much Do Political Science Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in political science jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median director of government affairs pay in Chicago is $78,332 per year, which is 22% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Political Science Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in political science? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those political science jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.