This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As:Citizen Participation Specialist, Government Affairs Researcher, Government Affairs Specialist, Health Policy Analyst, Legislative Affairs Specialist, Legislative Analyst, Legislative Liaison, Legislative Policy Analyst +14 more
Core 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.
Supplemental Tasks (4)
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.
Education & Training
Job Zone 5Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.