If you’re a political science major, you’ll have plenty of job options when you graduate. You could be a policy analyst, a political social media manager, go on to law school, or one of many other positions. However, you might want to consider not only working with politicians but becoming one yourself. There are lots of reason why getting involved in politics is a good idea.
1. You’ll Influence the Next Generation
Understanding and participating in politics, whether by voting or getting out there on the “front lines,” is essential for creating a society that citizens can thrive in. Successful politics require keeping the next generation interested. If you become a politician yourself, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the next generation. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean convincing them to follow your political views. Simply speaking at colleges, high schools, and even middle schools can get young adults interested in the process and teach them how to gather information and form their own opinions. As a politician, you too could get future minds interested in how the process works.
2. You Could Create a Better Economy
No matter which choices you think the country should make in order to better the economy, you’ll have the chance to influence the economic decisions in your district, state, or country. Remember, the economy requires solid relationships with both businesses and citizens. Without one, the other cannot thrive. While it’s important to build relationships between politics and businesses, many people have a negative view of these types of relationships, so do so with as much transparency as possible to show that you want to help everyone involved.
3. You’ll Connect With People in Your Community
If you’ve always wanted to get to know your neighbors, go into politics. After all, how can you represent the people if you don’t know the people? As a politician, you’ll have no reason not to talk to the people in your community. In fact, it will be expected and appreciated. When you show up to community block parties, holiday events, or events meant to help the less fortunate, you not only show you truly care, but you get to know people and maybe even make new friends along the way.
4. You Might Build a Better Society
Getting to know your community is the first step to creating a healthier and happier society. Everything from healthcare to education affects the type of society you live in. By becoming a politician, you have the opportunity to work toward changes that create healthier people and provide better education to young members of the community.
5. You’ll Receive a Few Perks, Too
Of course, the biggest perk is the ability to work toward changes that you truly believe in, but because becoming a politician is a job, there are other perks as well. Politicians typically have a good salary that makes it easy to care for family members, and their schedules are quite flexible so they can easily plan not only to attend community events but also to spend time with their families on important occasions. Still, a good salary and flexible time aren’t everything. Remember, politicians are always “on” and always under a microscope, so before going into politics consider whether you are the type of person who can handle the scrutiny.
Whether you want to make a difference at the local level or you want to go national, becoming a politician affords you many opportunities to listen to your fellow citizens and help them create a better country. Work hard now, gather politics news to stay updated, and you could help to mold future generations tomorrow.
