Career Compass: Political Science

Year 1 - 30 credit hours 

Course requirements: 6 credit hours in political science courses numbered at or above the 1000 level

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours 

Course requirements:
Honours: 18 credit hours in POLS at the 2000 level

Advanced: 30 credit hours in POLS at the 2000 level or above, between Years 2 to 4

General: 18 credit hours in POLS at or above the 2000 level

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3-or 4- year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Consider choosing a second language for your minor to enhance your employability prospects upon graduation.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours 

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a political science advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).

Year 4 - 120 credit hours 

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for a complete list of program requirements.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a political science advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).

Year 1 - 30 credit hours 

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours 

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with the American or Canadian Political Science Association.
4. Attend the annual Political Studies Students’ Conference.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours 

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.
4. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

Year 4 - 120 credit hours 

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours 

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Undergraduate Political Studies Students’ Association, Model United Nations, Arts Student Body Council and UMSU.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours 

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Manitoba Legislative or volunteer abroad through the AIESEC Global Citizenship program.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Become a Faculty of Arts Student Ambassador.

Check out political studies co-op program to gain 12 months of paid work experience.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Arts Co-operative Education program once you have completed 48 credit hours.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours 

Continue or start research: Participate in research with groups and centres affiliated with the Department of Political Science

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services Agency, Global Affairs Canada or UMSU elections.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Devex, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Year 4 - 120 credit hours 

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Manitoba Legislative Internship Program, Mission Internship Program or UN Young Professionals Programme.

Cultural experiences offer valuable exposure and learning opportunities that help us engage with and appreciate the diversity in our communities and future workplaces. Learn more about Indigenous and International communities at the University of Manitoba.

Year 1 - 30 credit hours

Engage in intercultural experiences: Visit the International Centre website to learn more about volunteer opportunities for UM students. Engage in Indigenous cultural learning by attending Indigenous events on campus.

Indigenous Student Programming: If you’re an Indigenous Student, explore supports and programs at the Indigenous Student Centre.  

Interested in studying abroad to gain intercultural experiences and skills employers want? Visit the student exchange programs website and book an appointment with the student mobility coordinator to learn more. Also learn about a full year abroad experience through McCall MacBain International Fellowships.

Year 2 - 60 credit hours

Applying for an international exchange program?  Students apply almost one year in advance of their exchange. Book an appointment with the student mobility coordinator on the exchange programs website to start the process.

Participate in cultural learning opportunities on campus: Participate in Indigenous learning opportunities such as Fireside Chats, Tea with Auntie, Indigenous Studies Colloquium, and other events within your faculty. Your active and respectful participation is welcome at Indigenous ceremonies on campus. Please note that some ceremonies are confidential spaces; feel free to ask about cultural protocols. 

Join a student community: There are many student groups at UM, including those that represent a wide variety of cultures and communities - the UM Indigenous Students’ Association (UMISA), UM International Students' Organization, and many more!  

Looking to learn a language? Visit the Language Centre for a variety of resources and join the Language Exchange program or Language Partner Volunteer Program.

Year 3 - 90 credit hours

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Participate in the Intercultural Leaders program to enhance cultural awareness and develop intercultural skills for a variety of settings, both in and out of the classroom. Participate in 8 sessions with topics on leadership, self-awareness, intercultural competency, communication, conflict resolution and more.  

Volunteer at the International Centre’s Welcome Mentors program and/or Graduation Pow Wow.

Engage locally: Learn more about the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and your responsibility as a Treaty partner. Enroll in Community Engaged Learning programs; Indigenous students may wish to explore programs such as Land and Water: Land-Based Education. 

Year 4 - 120 credit hours

Expand your knowledge on Indigenous culture and protocols, including developing your own Territory Acknowledgement. Explore resources provided by Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and take part in the educational programming offered during Truth and Reconciliation Week!

Industries such as education, government, law and politics would value a political studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Analytical skills
• Numeracy and data use
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Information management
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.