Serious Career Advice Needed Please!?

I have a bachelor’s in Political Science. I chose this major because I liked having to study issues and problems, analyze different opinions, and then develop and defend my opinions. That said, I have NO interest in working for a politician or any political organization… obviously, I am having trouble finding a good job.
My question is this… I have been thinking about attending a local community college to get an Associates in Accounting. I enjoyed my intro to accounting class, and everytime I look for jobs, I see several that–that look like ones I would enjoy– require a bachelor’s with 15-18 credits of accounting. I need other opinions though, if I am going to go back to school is this a good route? What other associates degree would be good for someone with a liberal arts education looking for career advancement opportunities? Thanks.

3 comments to Serious Career Advice Needed Please!?

  • Mike S

    Although your degree is in Political Science, you have learned many transferable skills that would benefit potential employers. Studying issues and problems can relate well to any business environment. Analysis is needed, for example, in market research and surveys. I would put that Bachelor’s degree (which cost you enough money to get) to work and go for a position that does not require an additional degree. If you truly desire accounting, why not go into a marketing department in a large company that will pay you to go to school? That way you can earn Master’s degree in Accounting and have your employer pay for it. That’s far better than settling for an Associate’s degree. Good luck.

  • Chris N

    If the motivation you describe for studying political science is still strong consider how it might be used other than in straight politics.
    You may not be interested in working for a political organization, even so, every organization is political. I have worked in corporations in which people with poly-sci degrees worked in human resources, organizational development and recruiting. In each case I felt their professional capabilities were enhanced by that education.

  • Your accounting route sounds like a desperate move. If you chose your original major because you liked to study issues and problems, analyze them, and defend them, I have a feeling you’d get mighty bored couting beans all day long. There is no analyzing options or defending opinions withing a balance sheet or income statement. It may seem like a decent career option, especially when there are places hiring, but from my own personal experience, I think you’ll come to loathe getting up to go to your job. Perhaps consider another area you’re interested in, and go to work for organizations in that area, or getting a second degree there. For example, if you care about the environment, then a poli sci degree coupled with some sort of natural resource management or environment sci degree can be very attractive to organizations that have to convince others that their idea or methods are best. It doesn’t have to be political in nature, but politics can play into just about any organization if you spin it right!

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