Best 8 Career Paths for Political Science Graduates in Nigeria

This post discusses career paths for Political Science graduates in Nigeria. In other words, what job options are available to graduates who studied and graduates with a degree in Political Science? The article also shares information about companies that hire graduates of this field, salary ranges in Nigeria and abroad, and the options for graduates to further their education.

Political Science Background Information

Political Science is an exciting and dynamic field that has existed for centuries. It is one of the world’s oldest and most respected fields of study, with a rich history and a strong tradition of scholarship and research. Political Science is a social science that focuses on the analysis of political systems, institutions, and behavior.

Political Science is an essential field of study because it helps us understand the complex world of politics and government. It enables us to understand the political systems and institutions that shape our lives and the lives of others. Political Science is also important because it helps us understand the behavior of individuals and groups within political systems and how they interact.

Advantages of Studying Political Science

One advantage of studying Political Science is that it provides students with a broad range of skills they can apply in various settings. These skills include critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research, and communication skills. Students who study Political Science also get exposure to a wide range of perspectives and ideas, which can help them develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of the world around them.

Another advantage of studying Political Science is that it gives students a deep understanding of political systems and institutions. One can apply knowledge of this discipline in various settings, including government, non-profit organizations, and private industry.

Disadvantages of Studying Political Science

One disadvantage of studying Political Science is that it can be a difficult field to break into. There is a lot of competition for jobs available in the various career paths for Political Science graduates. In addition, many students find that they need to pursue advanced degrees or certifications to be competitive in the job market.

Another disadvantage of studying Political Science is that it can be a challenging field for students who are not comfortable with public speaking or debate. Many Political Science programs require students to participate in discussions or public speaking events, which can be intimidating for some students.

Is Political Science a Good Course to Study in School?

Before we dive into the career paths for Political Science graduates, let us answer the crucial question above. Yes, Political Science is an excellent course to take in school. It provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge to apply in various settings. Political Science is also a field that is constantly evolving, which makes it exciting and dynamic.

Job Options & Career paths for Political Science graduates

Many different career paths and job options are available to graduates of Political Science in Nigeria and abroad.

career paths for Political Science graduates - campaign managers

Career Paths and Job Options in Nigeria in Political Science

Many different career paths and job options are available to Political Science graduates in Nigeria. Some of the most common career paths and job options include the following. If you ever want to relocate abroad from Nigeria, there are options for you in the next sub-heading.

1. Government: Political Science graduates can work in various government institutions such as the civil service, foreign affairs, and national assembly. They can work as analysts, researchers, advisers, or policymakers. Some example job titles are:

Political Analyst
Public Relations Officer
Diplomat
Government Affairs Specialist

2. Non-profit Organizations: Political Science graduates can work in various non-profit organizations like think tanks, NGOs, and advocacy groups. They can work as researchers, analysts, or policymakers. Some example job titles are:

Research Analyst
Campaign Manager
Policy Analyst
Lobbyist

3. Private Sector: The private sector is another viable choice of the career paths for Political Science graduates. Graduates can work in various private sector industries such as consulting, marketing, and public relations. They can work as analysts, researchers, or communication specialists. Some example job titles are:

Public Affairs Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Communications Specialist
Business Development Manager

4. Academia: Political Science graduates can work as lecturers, professors, or researchers in academic institutions. They can contribute to research and teaching in political science, international relations, and public administration. Some example job titles are:

Lecturer
Researcher
Professor
Dean

career paths for Political Science graduates - Politician

Possible Career Paths for Political Science Graduates Abroad

Political Science graduates can also explore career opportunities abroad. Some of the most common career paths and job options include:

1. International Organizations: Political Science graduates can work in international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, and International Criminal Court. They can work as analysts, researchers, or policymakers. Some example job titles are:

Political Affairs Officer
Research Analyst
Human Rights Officer
Program Manager

2. Diplomacy: Political Science graduates can work in diplomatic positions such as ambassadors, consuls, or political officers. They can represent their country in international relations and negotiate treaties and agreements. Some example job titles are:

Ambassador
Consul
Political Officer
Negotiator

3. International Non-profit Organizations: Political Science graduates can work in various international non-profit organizations like Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Human Rights Watch. They can work as researchers, analysts, or policymakers. Some example job titles are:

Research Analyst
Campaign Manager
Policy Analyst
Advocate

4. Global Corporations: Political Science graduates can work in various global corporations like multinational banks, law firms, and consulting firms. They can work as analysts, researchers, or communication specialists. Some example job titles are:

Public Affairs Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Communications Specialist
Political Risk Analyst

Next, let’s discuss the salaries the career paths for Political Science graduates attract in Nigeria and outside of the country.

Salary Ranges for Political Science Graduates in Nigeria and Abroad

The salary ranges for Political Science graduates depend on the career path and job options chosen. In Nigeria, the starting salary for entry-level positions is around N100,000 to N150,000 per month. The private sector’s salary can range from N200,000 to N500,000 per month. The government sector’s salary can range from N150,000 to N300,000 per month. In academia, the salary can range from N100,000 to N500,000 per month.

Abroad, the salary ranges can be much higher. The starting salary for entry-level positions in the United States is around $40,000 to $50,000 annually. The private sector’s salary can range from $60,000 to $100,000 per annum. The government sector’s salary can range from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. The salary can range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually in academia.

Companies that Employ Political Science Degree Holders

Below are the companies where you can explore the various career paths for Political Science graduates in Nigeria and abroad. Many companies in the private and public sectors offer jobs in Nigeria, the UK, the US, Europe, and so on.

Top 6 Companies that hire Political Science Degree Holders in Nigeria

Federal Government of Nigeria: Political Science graduates are employed in various government ministries, departments, and agencies.
Nigerian National Assembly: Political Science graduates can work as researchers or analysts in the National Assembly | Sample Job
Shell Petroleum Development Company: Political Science graduates can work in various positions in Shell Nigeria.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Political Science graduates can work in various positions in UNDP Nigeria.
Nigerian Institute of International Affairs: Political Science graduates can work as research fellows or analysts in the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC): Political Science graduates can work as regulatory officers in the NCC.

Top 6 Companies that Hire Graduates of Political Science Abroad

United Nations: Political Science graduates can work in various positions in the United Nations | Sample Job
World Bank: Political Science graduates can work in various positions in the World Bank.
International Criminal Court: Political Science graduates can work in various positions in the International Criminal Court.
Amnesty International: Political Science graduates can work in various positions at Amnesty International.
McKinsey & Company: Political Science graduates can work in various consulting positions at McKinsey & Company.
Goldman Sachs: Political Science graduates can work in various positions at Goldman Sachs.

Universities and Polytechnics Offering Political Science Degrees in Nigeria

Now that you know the career paths for Political Science graduates in Nigeria and abroad, where can you go to study this course? Many universities in Nigeria and abroad offer Political Science asa course of study.

Top 6 Universities and Polytechnics for Political Science in Nigeria:

University of Lagos, Lagos State
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
University of Ibadan, Ibadan
University of Abuja, Abuja

List of Scholarships Available for Political Science in Nigeria:

1. Federal Government Scholarship Award

2. Nigerian Women Association of Georgia (NWAG) Scholarship

3. Shell Nigeria University Scholarship

4. Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) Scholarship

5. The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship

List of Scholarships Available for Political Science Abroad:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

2. Chevening Scholarships

3. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships

4. Commonwealth Scholarships

5. Rotary Peace Fellowships

Challenges Faced by Professionals in the Field in Nigeria and Globally

Despite the fact that many career paths for Political Science graduates are available, there are still some challenges in this field. One of the biggest challenges faced by professionals in the field is the competitive job market. Many political Science graduates compete for a limited number of jobs, making it difficult to find employment.

Another challenge faced by professionals in the field is keeping up with changing political systems and institutions. Political Science constantly evolves, and professionals must stay current with the latest trends and developments.

Growth Potential in Political Science in Nigeria and Globally

Political Science is a field with much growth potential, both in Nigeria and globally. As the world becomes more interconnected and globalized, the demand for professionals with a deep understanding of political systems and institutions will likely increase.

Which other fields can Professionals in Political Science easily transition to?

In addition to the known available career paths for Political Science graduates, they can easily transition to various fields, including journalism, law, and public administration. They can also pursue advanced degrees in international relations, public policy, and law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the career options for Political Science graduates in Nigeria?

There are many career options for Political Science graduates in Nigeria, including government, non-profit organizations, private sector, and academia.

2. What are the salary ranges for Political Science graduates in Nigeria?

The salary ranges for Political Science graduates in Nigeria depend on the career path and job options chosen but typically range from N100,000 to N500,000 per month.

3. What are the top companies that hire Political Science graduates in Nigeria?

The top companies that hire Political Science graduates in Nigeria include the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Assembly, and Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Conclusion and Takeaway

In conclusion, Political Science is a field of study that provides students with a broad range of skills and knowledge that can be applied in various settings. Graduates of Political Science can pursue career paths in government, non-profit organizations, private sector, and academia, both in Nigeria and abroad. While some challenges are associated with this field, the growth potential and variety of career options make it an exciting and rewarding field.

Now that you know career paths for Political Science graduates in Nigeria and abroad, would you consider studying it?