Alumni Survey Question
5
Do you feel that WSU
students in political science and public administration are sufficiently
prepared for full-time employment?
| ID # | Comments |
| 001 | As in any profession, there are many things you are not going to learn in college. For example, I needed a crash course in zoning administration and tax increment financing after I began my first job as a college graduate. The important thing is that college prepared you mentally to tackle difficult issues. The bottom line is that you should have learned how to study and learn. |
| 002 | However, the students need to uncover all employment options. In understanding the vast work related businesses, WSU instructors should counsel all students on all areas of business, and non-profit employment options. |
| 008 | It depends on what career/employment you want to get into. I had no real clue after ruling out law school and careers in lobbying, campaigning, and politics, so it was difficult for me when I went out into the job world. |
| 009 | The course work is sufficient, but it is the responsibility of the student to be prepared by doing the work. Most do! |
| 013 | I did a 16 credit internship-which was about the closest thing to full-time employment a student can get. |
| 014 | Those fields necessitate a masters. Other than some hard sciences (e.g. engineering) Very few college grads will actually work in the areas they desire. |
| 016 | Aside from the required internship, there is not enough emphasis on real-world application of a poli-sci/public admin education. |
| 017 | More emphasis on practical knowledge of politics and more classes on global economies and how it effects politics- |
| 018 | I had one class in Pub admin. that required practical use of surveys, "statistics," etc. I think there should be more "hands on" classes with practical experience as opposed to theoretical concepts etc. |
| 020 | P.A. is more directly applicable to the job market. P.S. is best suited to pre-grad school. |
| 023 | Need advanced degree. |
| 025 | I was in 1973. |
| 026 | I am not qualified to respond as I have not yet entered the workforce. |
| 027 | However, experience is of the essences, volunteer activities are very important. |
| 028 | When I got my B.A. degree (March, 1969) there were few, if any, jobs open to females. I needed to get a teaching degree (B.S.) in order to find employment, or get a master’s and then options other than teaching, were also limited |
| 030 | Not only did my Public administration degree satisfy my interest in political science, but it also gave me great exposure to the business field (i.e. accounting, economics etc.) This helped me to develop a good "business sense" to help me in my career ladder. |
| 031 | Yes, if they do more than just attend class. |
| 032 | My degree did not get me a job in the political area, however, because I do have a degree it has benefited me in furthering my career because employers like the fact that you do have a 4 yr. Degree. |
| 033 | I believe, all college education prepares the individual to a certain extent. However, poli sci stresses communication, writing skills and most importantly one opinion. |
| 034 | Outside activities must be encouraged! |
| 037 | Depends on the student and what they put into course-work. |
| 041 | Depends on what kind of job. Most poli sci jobs require MA. |
| 042 | Depends on other work experience, internships, etc. School work alone doesn’t prepare one for employment. |
| 044 | Answer is yes as far as anyone with a liberal arts education- particularly as it relates to poli. sci. However, that wouldn’t necessarily prepare them to enter a career field related to politics or government anymore than any of a number of other degrees in the liberal arts. |
| 045 | The internship was helpful. |
| 046 | Need to do internships to get a taste for "real world" opportunities and required experience. Invite former grads to discuss what they’ve discovered. |
| 047 | As I stated earlier, I cannot opine regarding current graduates. As for my BA degree in Political Science in 1968, I was virtually unemployable. My first year after graduation. I taught 6th grade in Duarte, CA. |
| 049 | I don’t feel anyone majoring in Political Science has a contributing place in the workforce. And public administration is a real stretch also. |
| 051 | It is critical to students to have an internship which is specifically suited for their desired employment. Example: internship with county/city if desire is to be a city of county administrator. |
| 053 | To get a job in the public sector, tailor course work to include: typing, clerical, testing requirements, "Careers with America" test. How to do very well on them. |
| 057 | Political Science was not sufficient preparation for law school. I was better served by my degree in literature and philosophy. |
| 058 | When I graduated in 1976, I was not interested in public administration and there were few jobs available in political science area. I decided, therefore, that I would either go to vo-tech to become a carpenter or law school if I was fortunate enough to be accepted, which I was and which I did. |
| 064 | Out of WSU I was appointed to supervise the State Election Div., office of the Sec of State, 1974-79, then was legis. Dir ot Arlen Erdahl 1979-83 in the US House of Representives. Internship w/ Al Quiz (1972) helped network me with MN political personalities. |
| 068 | A poli-sci student may be very prepared, may not be prepared. It depends how hard they worked, and what they have done on their own. |
| 069 | However, employment may not be directly related to political science or public admin. |
| 070 | Depends on their work habits and work ethics. Education wise, if they paid attention during courses, they’d be fine (generally speaking.) Depends on the individual, and what type of job they choose. |
| 072 | From my own experience and that of other political science graduates, I found I was not prepared for the "real world" |
| 073 | I have no way of being able to in good conscience answer this question. My political science involvement with WSU for the most part came to an end with graduation in 1975. |
| 076 | I think that the course work needs to be more specific. The program should not lump both degrees in one general area of classes. |
| 078 | Many courses lack practical "up-to-date" hands on information. It is very difficult to ? ? college to the job market when many courses are heavy on theory and light on practical application. |
| 080 | I don’t think a poly-sci degree from any institution is worth much in the working world. I’m not sure about Public Admin. but, poly-sci may get you a great job waiting tables. |
| 081 | I believe as people we can be prepared, I do not feel that the political science department helped me achieve that. |
| 083 | I can only speak regarding my own experience. I went back to school after graduation for specific training in the field for which I am currently employed. I believe your question is too broad to encompass all WSU students on all types of full time employment. |
| 088 | The education gave a well rounded view of many aspects numerous BA careers. |
| 089 | I hope that as the educational process has evolved students today are better prepared. I have not been in touch in 23 years. |
| 091 | Its surprising to me to see that there are so many people involved and interested in public policy and/or government administration. A student really needs to find a way to set themselves apart from others, either through internships, student government, volunteering, working on campaigns etc. Learning S.P.S.S. at the undergraduate level is a great way to set W.S.U. students apart from other political science/public policy students. I believe a great addition to this would be introduction into geographical information systems of G.I.S. which allows for data entry, storage, and manipulation followed by analysis conducted by the student. G.I.S is the future of political decision making in the realm of public administration. G.I.S. is being taught in conjunction with the geography and political science departments. |
| 094 | Yes, Certain specific courses prepare for marketable skills which are listed below. Communication skills, writing skill courses, computer literacy courses. |
| 095 | Depends on what he/she puts into college and what they want out of college. |
| 096 | Although PCB design is quite removed from political science, my undergraduate degree study enhanced my mental capacity which has definitely transferred to my design work. |
| 098 | Training in seeing all sides to an issue and being forced to defend an unpopular policy is great training for the workplace. Seeing the results of ill-informed decisions in the legal and international arenas makes one sensitive to workplace dynamics. The writing and speaking skills gained during the pursuit of a political science degree are very valuable skills for the workplace. |
| 100 | I am sure the curriculum has changed- 20 years ago I don’t believe I was prepared. |