An eventual run for public office is an obvious step for political science majors, but it’s far from your only option. After you fine-tune your resume, here are a few careers to consider.

1. Paralegal/Legal Assistant

Law firms need organized, efficient paralegals to help get the job done. This is a good way to experience the inner workings of a law office without studying to become an attorney.

2. Lawyer

But if you do want to become an attorney, check out law schools. No matter what kind of law you want to practice, there’s probably a program for it. Do your research and find out which law school best fits your interests and needs. If it’s right for you, graduate school can be a great investment.

3. Journalist

Many political science jobs are found in print or television newsrooms. Publications need commentators, bloggers and editors with an enthusiasm for politics. If you enjoy a certain newspaper or magazine, why not check out its job and freelance opportunities?

4. Teacher/Administrator

Some private and charter schools don’t require a teaching degree. Political science majors passionate about their subject can find jobs teaching history, economics or government. Your knowledge can also be helpful in school administration jobs.

5. Public Policy Analyst

Use your academic skills to research trends in urban policy, international affairs and other aspects of public administration. If you enjoy problem-solving or you’re curious about how policies are created, you may want to read more about policy analysis and see if it’s the job for you.

6. Civil Service

Federal, state, and local governments offer careers in diverse fields. Political science jobs in civil service include law enforcement, foreign service, military intelligence and many others. You might even be able to work as an archivist or historian.

7. Financial Consultant

If you’re a political science grad with an affinity for numbers, you might enjoy a career providing financial advice to individuals and organizations. You’ve got the skills to analyze voting trends, and many companies need a skilled analyst to help them with their budget.

8. Nonprofit Worker

A nonprofit organization offers unique opportunities to work in areas such as development, fundraising, campaign organizing, and advocacy. It’s also a way to put your own interests and passions to work. Maybe there’s a certain cause you’re enthusiastic about; see if you can find nonprofits related to this cause and learn what job and volunteer opportunities they offer.

9. Marketing and Public Relations

If you enjoy working with people, you can combine analytical and social skills in marketing and public relations jobs. Marketing requires strategy, communication and research — the same skills you hone when you study for a political science degree.

You certainly aren’t limited to these choices. For example, consider alumni networking to find internships, jobs and careers that interest you. Political science jobs are as varied as the graduates who search for them, and there’s a good fit for everyone.

But how do you choose where to work?

To help you narrow down the list and find the perfect student job for you, here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of on-campus and off-campus jobs.

On-Campus Jobs:

Pros:

1. Scheduling. On-campus jobs tend to be more understanding of college students’ schedules, seeing as they’re specifically designed for them. If you’re looking for more flexibility in terms of scheduling times to work, an on-campus job is for you. Some positions even allow you to set your own work schedule and put in your hours whenever you have the time.

2. Variety. With all of the various academic departments at your college, you can expect a wide range of on-campus jobs to choose from. On-campus jobs can be anything from preparing solutions for a chemistry professor to proofreading a literature professor’s latest book.

3. Practical application of classroom learning. Many on-campus jobs give you the opportunity to work with professors at the top of your field of study and gain some practical, hands-on experience with what you are learning in class (while getting paid at the same time!).

Cons:

1. Money. Some on-campus jobs have pretty low starting pay rates, which may be less than their off-campus counterparts. They also don’t give you the opportunity to earn tips as, say, servers or bartenders would.

2. Less personal interaction. Some on-campus jobs tend to be isolated. Whether doing research in the college library or crunching numbers on the computer, you may find yourself working alone with many on-campus jobs rather than brushing up on your interpersonal and customer service skills.

Off-Campus Jobs:

Pros:

1. Money. Off-campus jobs often pay more than the average on-campus position. Also, off-campus jobs in the service industry allow you to supplement your hourly wage with some tips.

2. Opportunities to expand your social circle. College campuses can often feel like a bubble, isolated from the rest of the world. Off-campus jobs are a great opportunity to get out and meet new people, whether coworkers or customers, who may offer you fresh perspectives and alternatives to hanging out on campus every weekend.

3. “Real world” experience. Off-campus jobs allow you to escape the “ivory tower” of college and gain some real work experience that may be more applicable to jobs you pursue in the future. This experience may also be just the thing to set you apart from the average student when sending out resumes and applications as your college career comes to a close.

Cons:

1. Scheduling. Off-campus jobs may not be as flexible and understanding as on-campus student jobs in terms of scheduling. In the “real world,” money is the bottom line, so bosses may not be as lenient or willing to let you off the hook if you need to miss a shift to study for an exam or go to a formal.

2. Less convenient. Off-campus jobs may be less convenient than on-campus jobs simply because of the fact that they are off-campus. You may have to commit more time to commuting between your college and your place of employment and likely won’t be able to get your work done on your own time, say in between classes, as you can with some on-campus positions.

Whichever option seems more appealing to you, on-campus or off-campus, it is a shrewd idea to get a job while you are a student in college. With the promise of more spending money, new professional and social contacts and invaluable on-the-job experience, you will come out of it a richer, wiser and hopefully happier college student than you were at the start.

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Some celebrities are so glamorous that it’s hard to imagine them doing jobs like any other normal person before they were famous.

But even some of the most famous celebrities had to earn a buck before they made it big. From sweating over a deep fryer at a hamburger joint to catering to other people’s whims as a salesperson, Hollywood stars have held all kinds of unglamorous jobs.

If you’re stuck working at a so-so summer job, just remind yourself that celebrities had to pay their dues in dead-end jobs too. It might seem unfair now that you have to spend the gorgeous summer months slaving away, but who knows where you’ll end up down the line! Just take a look at where these celebrities started out before they were famous.

1. Jennifer Aniston

Before she became famous as America’s sweetheart by playing Rachel on “Friends,” Jennifer Aniston was waiting tables. Ex-husband Brad Pitt was also once in manual labor, working as a refrigerator mover.

2. Oprah Winfrey

At age 16, the future television talk-show queen scored a job at a radio station in Nashville, Tennessee, kicking off her media career. Before that, this celebrity’s summer job consisted of working in a grocery store – her very first job.

3. Madonna

Celebrities have had summer jobs just as bad as yours, and Madonna’s case proves it. Before she was famous, the pop queen used to work at a Dunkin’ Donuts. No word on whether she hated wearing a uniform just as much as you do.

4. Donald Trump

Real estate tycoon Donald Trump is a well-known public figure and has even scored his own television show. He’s known for his lavish spending and bombastic attitude, but before he was famous he was keeping it simple. His first bit of cash came from collecting soda bottles, which he would then return for the deposit money.

5. Warren Buffett

This billionaire has made a fortune with smart investments, but he got his start far off from Wall Street. He was a paper boy for “The Washington Post” newspaper.

6. Mariah Carey

Once a diva, always a diva. Some celebrities acted like they were famous even before they achieved stardom. Carey was reportedly fired from numerous jobs (coat check girl, waitress) for having a bad attitude before she was famous.

7. Stephen King

The famous horror author got the idea for one of his first big books, “Carrie,” while working as a janitor and cleaning a girls’ locker room. Creepy!

8. Steve Jobs

It’s never too early to gain some experience through an internship! At least that’s what tech mogul Steve Jobs must have been thinking when he applied for an internship at Hewlett-Packard at age 12. Even better? He actually scored the gig — long before becoming famous as co-founder of Apple.

9. David Lee Roth

The Van Halen rocker might win among celebrities in a competition for least-glamorous job. Before he took to the stage, Roth worked as a hospital orderly, fluffing pillows and emptying bedpans. But actress Demi Moore, with her stint at a debt collection agency, is a close second among celebrities with unglamorous former jobs.

10. Douglas McMillon

His name might not sound familiar, but he’s well-known in the corporate world: McMillon is CEO of Wal-Mart International. He started with the company long before he was famous in big business. At age 17 he was working to unload Wal-Mart trucks.

This last juicy detail is for those of you who have ever committed a major gaffe at the office. On McMillon’s first day on the job, he crashed his car – into his boss’s.

It’s nice to know that before they were famous, not only did celebrities hold unglamorous jobs – they also screwed up on the job!

Even seasoned career men and women can let job stress get to them, and when you’re just getting your first taste of the working world, with a work study job in college or an entry-level position after graduation, handling tough situations can be even more daunting.

Whether you hate your boss, your coworkers or the job itself (or all of the above), there are steps you can take to deal with stressful situations at work.

Focus on the positives.

Everyone hates at least one aspect of their job. As an editorial intern at a publishing house, I hated 80 percent of the menial tasks I did (sorting mail, fielding phone calls from disgruntled authors, filling out spreadsheets), but the parts I liked (reading manuscripts, taking part in storyboard meetings) were amazing. It’s not always easy, but try to stay focused on the parts you like.

Avoid confrontation and maximize communication.

Avoid confrontation at the office by communicating effectively. For example, let your coworkers or boss know if you don’t understand instructions they give you; it’s better to ask than to make a mistake and have to do the entire task over again.

Take a deep breath and let it go.

Another key tip to avoiding confrontation is to always, always keep your cool. If you get annoyed at a coworker or your boss is railing at you for a mistake you made, don’t get aggressive or emotional.

Just stay calm, take a deep breath and let it go. Step outside for a moment if you have to. Having a post-work ritual, like a jog or dinner with friends, to rid your mind of workday stress is a good idea.

Find your office ally.

It takes only one friendly face at the office to make a dreary workday go by just a bit quicker. If you get overwhelmed by a task or show up late, your office ally can sometimes cover your back.

The two of you can also complain about work to one another so you don’t have to torture your roommates with endless details about your evil boss. Plus, it’s great to have a lunch buddy.

When is it okay to quit?

Before you quit your job, keep in mind that most people don’t love their first job. If you’re trying to climb your way up the ladder, whatever ladder that may be, you’re going to have to start at the bottom. That will always mean some grunt work, especially during your first job after graduation.

It may happen that, even after you’ve taken all the measures to alleviate stressful situations at work discussed above, your job is still just tolerable. However, if your job has you so stressed out that you can’t enjoy any other aspect of your life, it might be time to move on and look for another job.

Ideally, you will stick it out until you get a promotion, find a different job or score a position at a better company. Of course, there are a few cases in which all such rules go out the window, such as severe verbal abuse or sexual harassment. There are some stressful situations at work that, rather than trying to fix, you should immediately remove yourself from.

From failing to ask questions to not wearing appropriate office attire, these are some classic work mistakes that you should be sure to avoid.

1. Ignoring Email Etiquette

When it comes to emails, always err on the formal side. Use proper addresses (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.), and signatures that include your company contact details. Avoid abbreviations (like BTW), nix the emoticons and keep an eye out for unnecessary exclamation points!

2. Texting Your Superiors

If you are running late to work, whether you’re working in an office or waitressing, give your superiors the courtesy of a phone call or, at the very least, an email to let them know. Don’t use a text message, which is too informal (unless, of course, your boss has specifically requested you to text him or her on days when you’re running late).

3. Keeping Your Phone On

Whether it’s a one-on-one with your boss or a huge staff meeting, always turn your phone off during work meetings. Remember how embarrassing it was in college when your phone rang during class? In the working world, multiply that embarrassment by about 100.

4. Not Asking Questions

A lot of new college grads think that asking questions on the job is going to make them look bad and put their career in jeopardy. However, it’s much better to ask questions if you are uncertain about something than to try and muddle through it on your own – and make major mistakes in the process.

5. Social Networking on the Job

Avoid social networking while at work (unless it’s part of your job, obviously). The last thing you want is your boss catching you on Facebook during your second week of work. Some offices are really cracking down on social networking, even blocking sites like Facebook and Twitter on corporate computers.

6. Dressing Inappropriately

When I say “dressing inappropriately,” I’m not assuming that you are going to show up to your first day of work in a tube top and cut-off shorts! Like dressing for an interview, there are just certain elements of office dress – hemline length, how to wear a collared shirt, appropriate height of a heel – that take some getting used to.

Many college students starting in the working world need to invest in new clothes for the office (I definitely had to). If possible, snag someone older with office experience – a friend, sibling or parent – who can help you put together appropriate work outfits.

7. Cutting Minutes Here and There

Showing up a few minutes late, leaving a few minutes early, taking an extra five minutes or so at lunch – it might not seem like a big deal, but some bosses notice and can be pretty unforgiving about it. Play it safe and become a human clock about your hours and breaks, at least for the first few weeks until you’ve felt out the office vibe.

Now is an ideal time to look for summer jobs. It’s not too early — many companies have posted positions. But it’s not too late – positions have not yet all been filled.

Prepare your resume and cover letter now, and get a head start on your summer job search with these tips on where — and how — to look for a great summer job.

Ask friends and family.

From professors to friends of friends, you never know who might have the right connection to help you in your summer job search — it’s called job networking! Let people know that you’re looking and what your interests are — you’ll increase the odds that someone looking to fill a summer internship or job position will think of you.

Don’t be shy about sending your resume out to your network. Some of your acquaintances may not be that familiar with all your skills and accomplishments, so this gives them a better idea of what sort of jobs might be right for you. It also allows them to easily pass your resume on to others.

Use internet job sites.

Many internet job search sites allow you to narrow down your summer job search by offering specifications like “part-time” or “summer only.” This lets you pinpoint positions that fit your availability.

Also, if you are interested in specific jobs, like outdoors jobs or camp counselor jobs, check to see if there are any websites targeted at this job group. This allows you to get a broader look at the jobs in your field of interest – no scrolling through pages of jobs that are all wrong!

Check campus resources.

Your campus career office is one of many great college resources and can also help you with your summer job search. The benefit is that many organizations offering summer jobs will target college job boards because they know that students will be perfect to fill such temporary positions.

In some cases, a company may even limit their job posting strictly to college or university job boards – especially local institutions – which means that the field of competition is significantly reduced. Better odds for you!

Target specific organizations.

Sometimes you may have to go off the beaten path of job boards and personal connections, and do some hardcore hunting to find the perfect summer job. I got my first journalism internship by randomly emailing a local magazine and asking about summer internship opportunities even though they hadn’t been advertising positions.

If there is a specific company that you would love to work or intern for, but they don’t have any positions posted, don’t let that stop you from sending an inquiry.

Always be prepared.

A summer job in college provides valuable experience and skills you can list on your resume in the future, so it’s a good idea to get one. Don’t wait until the last minute when you will desperately need a summer job and none are available. Always keep your eyes open because you never know when your summer job search will lead you to the perfect job.

Today’s post is by campus correspondent Juliana Zipay, a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. Find out how you can become a campus correspondent, too!

Everyone has seen those movies or television shows where a character has to go to what’s called a “networking mixer,” where employees of different organizations pass out their business cards to help enhance their social circle — usually for the narrative.

For the most part, it is kind of awkward and conversation is forced, but, in the end, it gets the job done and, if looked at realistically, those people have gained new contacts that could help them with future endeavors.

But as a college student who isn’t about to pass out business cards to all the new people who live on your dorm floor, you may wonder how you can become a master networker before having to conquer the real world post-graduation.

You’re Better at Networking Than You Think

If you feel that you have zero networking skills, think again: Wikipedia defines a social network as a “social structure made up of individuals … which are connected by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest … knowledge, or prestige.”

That is, friends, family and classmates are all unofficially in your network. Without any excessive effort on your part, you already have a network of people that you can use to your advantage in a variety of ways. But how do you go even further?

How to Expand Your Network

Your university and classes are a great starting point. Networks are great things to have for students who are looking to get part-time work, internships, or full-time work post-graduation.

Classes within your major are chock full of students and professors who are as passionate about the field as you are, and they often hear about different opportunities than you do. But you have to be vocal.

Be Vocal About What You Want

By making your interests and goals public, people will often let you know of opportunities they’ve heard of because they remembered it would interest you. I once had a professor announce an internship possibility to the entire class, but only after class did he tell me privately that he did so because he knew I would be the most interested in it due to the content of the internship versus the class.

Contacts at the jobs and activities you partake in can also expand your networking horizons greatly. Some of my closest friends on campus are my coworkers. The more your coworkers know about you, the more they can help you than just within your job.

A friend of mine who used to be the assistant manager at my first campus job at a language media computer lab notified me of an internship possibility in the field of e-marketing (an internship that I still have now) over a year after he had stopped working at the computer lab.

Brought together by our mutual interest in social media, film, and general nerdiness, my friend informed me about an opportunity that had nothing to do with the original reason as to how we met. That’s networking.

Why Social Networking Sites Work

Social networking websites are possibly the greatest networking tools available today, and I could go on and on about them. These websites can help anyone connect with people of similar interests and backgrounds across the globe.

After my study abroad, where I met some of the greatest people I will ever meet in my life, I was able to connect with them via Facebook to maintain contact with them, even though many of them live across the country. Via Twitter, I was connected to the ULS account, became informed of what their goals are and, voilà, I am now writing for their fantastic blog.

You’re Good at It!

Even if you think that you are not good at networking, you probably are. In their own way, everyone is. I am a self-proclaimed master networker, and it isn’t until I describe all of the opportunities I have found that people realize that I actually am—and sometimes I am even inquired of to help others.

The more willing you are to put yourself out there and express your own interests with your peers, the more opportunities you will have in your life. It’s definitely more of a quality over quantity perspective. Plus, it never hurts to be a little social, right?

Juliana Zipay is a current senior at the University of Pittsburgh who will be graduating in May 2011 with a BA in Communication and minors in Theatre Arts and Film Studies as well as a certificate in Children’s Literature. She plans to attend graduate school to work toward a Master of Library and Information Sciences degree. Her interests include, but are definitely not limited to, social networking, coffee, traveling, learning, and sleeping (whenever she can).

The best thing you can do?

Between your research papers and senior parties, work on finding a job now!

It can be daunting at times, but you’d be surprised how much you can enjoy job searching … with the right attitude, of course. Matching your skills to job postings can be exciting. But starting is always a challenge, so we have some tips on how to start finding that great job after college:

1. Work on your resume.

Before you do anything else, think about your education and work experience.

• What are your strongest skills?
• What are you most knowledgeable about?
• What did you do at your past jobs?
• What did you like best about them?
• What skills did you gain?

Take notes on your thoughts for your own reference, and start constructing a resume. Keep in mind that resumes for recent graduates should be only one page. If you’re having trouble, consider a professionally written resume.

2. Go to your college career office.

If you haven’t already, check out what your college’s career services center has to offer. These job market experts are there to help you find a job, and they can even help you with:

• Networking for jobs
• Job interview tips
• Resume writing tips
• Finding an internship
• Choosing the best resume references

3. Scan job sites.

Even if you’re not sure exactly what job you want or where you’ll want to live, start browsing job sites. Click on different opportunities, even if they’re not entry level, so you get a feel for what companies are looking for and expect from applicants and employees. Sign up with sites so you can post your resume. Of course, if you find a job that interests you, apply!

4. Don’t dismiss internships! They’re not just for students.

Not always, anyway. Recent graduates are definitely in demand. Internships always look great on a resume because they show that you’re committed to the work, not just the money. Plus, for companies that like to hire from within, an internship could turn into a salaried job! Just make sure that if you are considering unpaid internships, you can afford to be income-free for a few months.

While finding a job after college may be the last thing you want to think about while savoring these last pre-graduation moments, starting your job search now can help relieve uncertainty you may have about what you want to do and where you want to go. By having a better idea of what’s out there — and starting to apply — the whole process of finding a job after college will be less terrifying, more reassuring, and will make these last few weeks a little sweeter!

Thanks to

If you are attending a job fair to increase your exposure to employers and apply for available positions, what you don’t do is as important as what you actually do. Don’t let nerves or expectations lure you into some common and commonly fatal errors.

Appearance

Dress appropriately for the position that interests you. If you are looking for a position as a repair technician, a three-piece suit or a formal dress does not reflect your occupation-related dress sense.

On the other hand, if you want a position as a bartender or a waitress, research what is worn in the upper-scale end of that profession and dress accordingly.

If you want a health care position, dress as you would on the job, not as you would to landscape real estate.

Attitude

Just because an initial interview may not be in the prospective employer’s office, do not mistake that any conversation you have isn’t or won’t be considered an interview. Be confident yet relaxed, but don’t be lackadaisical or lazy.

Impressions

Always remember that prospective employers can still gather an initial impression of you even if you’re not talking with them. Recruiters or human resources personnel may be busy as you stand near, but many take mental notes on how you conduct yourself within visual and hearing range.

If you attend the job fair with a friend, help each other stay confident and professional. The buddy system lends a great deal of support in nerve-wracking environments.

If you get damp palms, keep a few tissues in a pocket or purse. Make your handshake confident and dry.

Preparation

Update your resume to include the current time period. Presenting information that leaves any gaps shows lack of consideration and poor attention to detail, and it invites the impression that you’re trying to hide something.

Provide current and full contact information with address, phone number and even an email address. If you don’t want the recruiter to have your personal email address, create a new one for business use only, and create a user name that reflects your initials or partial name.

Bring double the number of resumes as booths. You probably won’t talk with every representative there, but you should have extras in case some get damaged or someone wants more than one copy. Include a few copies for yourself.

Write a generic cover letter for your resume. Bring as many copies of the cover letter as resumes and present a pair of each upon initial request. If a second copy is requested, provide only that document.

Punctuality

Lastly, ensure you arrive at the job fair in plenty of time to allow for processing in, orientation times and interviews. It’s better to be there and ready before the next applicant beats you to the final interview and the job offer.

My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online courses and online schools they can choose from to reach their goals.

Part-time job while being a full-time student: social suicide? Or a great way to make extra cash for all those college necessities?

Some students come to college having never worked a day in their lives, whereas others come from an intense background of part-time work throughout high school.

I always knew that I would want a part-time job in college if only because (1) I worked a part-time job all through high school and (2) I knew I would love the extra money to go out with my friends and enjoy college in every way possible.

But having a job while being a full-time student definitely raises some questions that must be answered:

Should I work on-campus or off-campus?

Depending on your campus, off-campus employment may not even be a possibility. Many universities are large but offer little in life outside of the campus, though this is not true of every campus. I go to a school with a vast urban campus — in fact, many people claim we do not even have a campus because it is so integrated into the city (though I disagree entirely).

But a sprawling urban campus means a variety of stores and restaurants and, therefore, tons of places for employment. On the flip side, on-campus employment is available everywhere throughout universities. Libraries, computer labs, departmental offices, student life offices and food services are all full of student workers being paid by the university.

Many schools offer online employment directories that point to available job positions and their rates of pay.

What about homework?

Homework is the one part that will obviously get in the way of having a job and being a student at the same time. Homework takes place outside of class, and if you have a job you may be pressed for time to do it if you must be serving meals to hungry customers all night.

Personally, this is why I enjoy on-campus work positions. If you are working on-campus, your supervisors will understand if you must call off to meet with your group for a project, but an off-campus employer may be less agreeable. Additionally, on-campus employment often offers the opportunity to do homework WHILE at work.

In fact, as I write this I am at my work-study position on campus. Campus jobs are usually less demanding, so there is a greater chance of you being able to actually get paid to do your homework, in essence. But if you think you can hack an off-campus job and being a full-time student then, by all means, go for it! I have a lot of friends who fall under that category, and they aren’t falling behind in classes or socially.

What are the advantages of having a part-time job while in school?

Well, for one, money. A lot of parents, like mine, might pay for school but want you to find your own way to finance your social life. A job does just that. For another — and this might just be me talking — but I do a lot better when I actually have less free time.

Having a job, going to school full-time, having an internship, and other responsibilities equals less downtime for me to just lie on my couch and watch movies all day. I can budget my time more efficiently so as to make the most of the time I have and actually create more free time in the long run.

Lastly, a job can help you toward your career post-graduation, even if the job has nothing to do with your degree or planned career path. A future employer may be quite impressed to see that you had a part-time job while going to school full-time on your résumé—it shows time management and responsibility.

Obviously, whether you have a job while going to school is up to you, but there are just so many advantages to them that it seems silly to not have one. They allow you to be more responsible, earn money, become time efficient, and can boost your social and networking skills greatly. I’ve met some of my best friends through my on-campus job, and I wouldn’t even want to think about life without them.

Juliana Zipay is a senior at the University of Pittsburgh who will be graduating in May 2011 with a BA in Communication and minors in Theatre Arts and Film Studies as well as a certificate in Children’s Literature. She plans to attend graduate school to work toward a Master of Library and Information Sciences degree. Her interests include, but are definitely not limited to, social networking, coffee, traveling, learning, and sleeping (whenever she can).