Why did I choose Political Science:
I heed to my parents plan for me to become a lawyer even if I do not like it. I already told them that I wanted to be an Engineer, however, because my two siblings are also going to college, they told me that they can not afford it, even if I think they really can.
About my college education:
It was difficult because at a very young age I needed to keep abreast with the current issues and concerns of politicians. We were made to analyze and conclude on politicians choices and movement. We needed to read news papers, watch news, make political analyses and think of possible best practices in governance. The enjoyable things was how students from other courses perceived about Political Science students. They think we are the most intelligent class in the University because it is presumed that we will advance our studies in the Law School after college. The boring part is our busy studying most of the time that we almost forgot the life around us. We were mostly serious in studying, debate classes and intelligent conversations about politics which makes the course very interesting. It is like mathematical analysis of phenomena but not an exact science like numerical calculations. We dig deeper to historical events and learn from the wrong and right decisions made from the past. We resolve issues and propose solutions to problems met or is conceived to happen whether it be in law, economics, education, finance, business and all other governmental topics which makes the study more challenging because of it's wide coverage which also give us the necessary skills to look at situations in a different perspective instead of looking at it in one side paradigm.
As regard traits and attitude needed, a Pol Sci student must be analytic, has innovative mind, has good written and oral communication skills, is willing to conduct legal analysis and law studies, must be a good researcher (for law analysis), must have resolute attitude instead of argumentative or aggressive unless in debate classes, must be logical, decisive and must be a solution finder instead of fault finder. It is also good that he/she must have planning and strategic trait in deciding, goal seeker, team player (not egoistic and loner, in this course, no man is an island - if this is the case, you will be left behind without help), output oriented and as much as possible, friendly and persuasive (just like politicians). Most Pol Sci students are not interested with Journalism. As we often joked to say "we don't find holes on the wall, we cover them."
My current job:
Dean of the Graduate School, Planning Officer (until such time that a new planning officer will be hired), and professor.
As the Dean, I prepare the professorial lecturer’s workload, make the academic calendar, conducts orientation programs, holds in-service seminars and workshops, serve as a resource person for the college, develop academic programs, policies, and guidelines.
As planning officer, provide advice and recommendations on matters related to educational planning and services to clients such as support to operations, physical expansion, curriculum development, property development, maximization of resources (human capital, financial and facilities), and enforcement of implementing rules, regulations and guidelines based on national and local standards; ensure that development within an area is done in accordance to scheme, policy, and community expectations; to be responsible for gathering and maintaining data and trend information, evaluating, processing and submitting development proposals and policies, conducting property inspections and forecasting planning needs and issues; assisting in research, preparing documentation, advising on the implementation of policies and legislation and anticipating and responding to planning problems; prepares the quarterly president’s report and the annual report of the institution including inception and terminal report of internal and external projects/programs of the institution.
Finally as a professor, I mentor students in the fields of politics, governance, philosophy, educational management, fiscal/financial management, organization development and administration, statistics and research.
Am I using what I learned in college:
What I have learned in College were 80% theoretical. I do not have background in politics nor in law studies at all when I entered college but I learned it's fundamentals afterwards with the help of our professors. I was able to use 50% of theories and 90% on practical things I have learned in college in my current and past jobs. I used what I have learned even in my advance studies. I think what I was able to use 100% was the training on how to handle emotion and how to react to situations. I learned to deal with almost all kind of people with different interests. The diversity of knowledge I learned in college is also a plus factor because I can make analysis considering aspects in law, finance, administration and many others which were all part of our studies in college. It is not just what was taught to us on political concepts but what attitude our professors, mentors and classmates have imbibed in me as our moral principles in political science studies which were more of the things that I have used in my profession.
How long did it take to find a job:
I am very lucky that companies were willing to hire me immediately after graduation, but I have chosen to study in the Law School, but was not able to finish it because I really needed to work.
I was invited by a friend to work in the Local Government Unit that time that I accepted and I enrolled in the Master's Program simultaneously.
Do I recommend studying Political Science:
It depends on the career plan of the person who wanted to take the course.
Employment opportunities:
Political Science is preparation to Law Studies. If you don't plan to be a lawyer, don't take the course. It is also good for planning officers and administrators in the government service. If you don't have plan to stay in the Philippines for government work, then don't take the course. This course is also good if you wanted to teach in College for social sciences subjects. But in education, you must pursue your advance studies in Master and Doctorate degree. If you have other plans, then taking the course may not give you better opportunities and end up in business industry as office staff or call center agents.
Career:
This course is good in most government services. You can start as researcher, documentary analyst, clerk, administrative assistant, registration assistant, personnel assistant and many other entry level appointment. It is highly suggested that continuation of advance studies is necessary to attain better opportunities at work.
Salary:
Starting salary of 10,000 to 15,000 is good enough specially in the government offices with Salary Grade 8 to 10 for staff position. As you pursue professional advancement, salary grade will increase base on availability of plantilla positions (government). If you will be a lawyer, an average of 45,000 monthly income should be your target to sustain a living (to note that cost of living of lawyers are higher than ordinary employees). On the other hand, if you finished Master Degree, an average of 25,000 is good enough as monthly income plus consultative services. Doctorate degree holders are expected to receive 40,000 monthly income plus consultative services minus cost of living (to note as well that cost of living of Doctors are higher than ordinary employees).
Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course:
If you are a soft hearted person, don't enroll in the course. You will not have room there. You will have heartaches after debate when your opponent put mockery on your wrong or illogical researches. Whatever you hear after a debate class, leave your emotion behind. It's nothing. We are opponent in the class, but we are friends afterwards. We joked the most suffocating of it and it is said loudly on someone's face. You must bear it. Your feelings will be trained by those attitudes. It is also good if you plan to take Law Studies and be a Lawyer in the future or be a policeman, or be an administrator or political analyst and consultant. It is also good if you are already a politician.
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