Political Scientists

19-3094.00

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Teach political science.
• Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
• Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
• Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
• Advise political science students.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Interpret and analyze policies, public issues, legislation, or the operations of governments, businesses, and organizations.
• Identify issues for research and analysis.
• Serve on committees.
• Forecast political, economic, and social trends.
• Consult with and advise government officials, civic bodies, research agencies, the media, political parties, and others concerned with political issues.
• Evaluate programs and policies, and make related recommendations to institutions and organizations.
• Provide media commentary or criticism related to public policy and political issues and events.
• Write drafts of legislative proposals, and prepare speeches, correspondence, and policy papers for governmental use.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Data visualization software; DataMystic TextPipe Pro; IBM SPSS Statistics 🔥; JudgeIt II; SAS 🔥; StataCorp Stata; WinBUGS
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - Tableau 🔥
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Data base management system software - Bare Bones Software BBEdit; IDM Computer Solutions UltraEdit
• Data base user interface and query software - CQ Press Political Reference Suite; FedStats; Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) database; Library of Congress E-resources Online Catalog; Microsoft Access 🔥; Structure query language SQL
• Desktop publishing software - Microsoft Publisher
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP software 🔥
• Information retrieval or search software - EBSCO Publishing Academic Search Premier; EBSCO Publishing Political Science Complete; Europa World Plus; Gale Expanded Academic ASAP PLUS; JSTOR database; Oxford Reference Online; ProQuest Public Affairs Information Service (PAIS) database; ProQuest Worldwide Political Science Abstracts; Sage Reference Online
• Object or component oriented development software - Python 🔥; R 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web platform development software - Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Instruct college students in social sciences or humanities disciplines.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Advise students on academic or career matters.
• Advise others on educational matters.
• Interpret research or operational data.
• Conduct research on social issues.
• Serve on institutional or departmental committees.
• Forecast economic, political, or social trends.
• Advise others on matters of public policy.
• Evaluate civic projects or public policies.
• Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.