Political science is a versatile degree and it is important for majors to be open to the many and various career opportunities available. This theme emerged during the Political Science Department’s Career Café Series Kickoff Luncheon on September 15, 2017. Once again, departmental alumni spoke with currents students, sharing how they navigated their careers after graduating with a political science major from the College of Charleston.
Alumni panelists for the September Career Café were Emily Gooding (’13), Product Coordinator at BiblioLabs, LLC; Dustin Haynes (’12), Employer and Public Relations Office at Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union; and Sam Spence (’08), Web Editor at Charleston City Paper. In addition, College of Charleston Career Counselor, Emma Waugh, shared the myriad of services offered by the Career Center (for more information on these services, please visit careercenter.cofc.edu).
Panelists also talked about how they were drawn to their current positions because of their ability to stay involved in the community. They also emphasized the importance of networking and lifelong learning. Students also had an opportunity to ask questions.
Gibbs Knotts, Political Science Department Chair, stressed the department’s commitment to helping students prepare for life after College. According to Knotts, “The political science department has been producing high quality graduates since the 1970s and it makes perfect sense to connect our currents students with our distinguished alumni.”
The focus for the next Career Café Series Luncheon in November will be on job opportunities in the public sector. Political science alumni will discuss why they decided to pursue careers in the public sector and how the political science major has prepared them for their positions. Additional luncheons will take place in Spring 2018.