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Political Science Graduate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Research Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$32.50/hr

Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, economics ... S. * $25 per hour for undergraduate students * $32.50 per hour for graduate students * Flexible ...

Head of Government Relations

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Relevant background in Political Science, Public Administration, Public Policy, or similar professions. Compensation We offer competitive compensation that is geo-adjusted based on your location ...

Counterintelligence Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Political Science, Library Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. * 7+ years of ... Be a credentialed graduate of an accredited federal or DoD CI training academy (e.g., FBI Academy)

Counterintelligence Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Political Science, Library Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. * 7+ years of ... Be a credentialed graduate of an accredited federal or DoD CI training academy (e.g., FBI Academy)

Counterintelligence Officer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Political Science, Library Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. * 7+ years of ... Be a credentialed graduate of an accredited federal or DoD CI training academy (e.g., FBI Academy)

Fall Intern: Office of the President

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

The ideal candidate will have an exceptional academic background in history, political science ... About AEI Internships AEI internships offer a unique opportunity for undergraduates, graduate ...

Research Fellow

Washington, DC · On-site

$32.50/hr

Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, economics ... S. * $25 per hour for undergraduate students * $32.50 per hour for graduate students * Flexible ...

Showing results 21-40

Political Science Graduate information

See Reston, VA salary details

$25.5K

$50.3K

$82.2K

How much do political science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for political science graduate in Reston, VA is $50,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $54,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a political science graduate?

Political science graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in political science, a field that studies government systems, political behavior, public policies, and international relations. They develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills, which are valuable in a wide range of careers. Political science graduates often pursue roles in government, public administration, policy analysis, international organizations, journalism, or continue their education in law or graduate school.

What types of entry-level roles are commonly available to political science graduates, and how can I determine which path best suits my interests?

Political science graduates often find entry-level opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, public policy research, political campaigns, and consulting firms. To determine which path aligns with your interests, consider the aspects of your studies you enjoyed most—such as policy analysis, research, or community engagement—and seek internships or informational interviews in those areas. Many graduates start as research assistants, legislative aides, or policy analysts, gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities that can lead to more specialized roles. Exploring a variety of roles early on can help you identify the work environment and responsibilities that suit you best.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a political science graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Political Science Graduate, you need strong analytical thinking, research abilities, and a solid understanding of political systems, often backed by a bachelor's degree in political science or related fields. Familiarity with data analysis tools, statistical software (such as SPSS or Stata), and policy research platforms is commonly expected. Outstanding written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and adaptability are essential soft skills for engaging with complex issues and diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively analyzing policies, communicating findings, and contributing to informed decision-making in governmental, nonprofit, or private sector roles.

What is the difference between Political Science Graduate vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolitical Science GraduatePolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Political Science or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutions, think tanksGovernment departments, think tanks, consulting firms, advocacy groups
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across public sector, non-profits, research organizationsPrimarily in policy development, analysis, and advocacy roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While a Political Science Graduate typically holds a bachelor's degree and works in various public sector or research settings, a Policy Analyst often has additional training or experience in policy analysis and works specifically on developing and evaluating policies. Both roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Policy Analysts usually focus more on policy formulation and impact assessment.

What can I do with a master's degree in political science?

A political science graduate with a master's degree can pursue careers in government, policy analysis, public administration, or international relations. These roles often require strong research, analytical, and communication skills, and may involve working in offices, think tanks, or NGOs.

What job is best for political science graduates?

Political science graduates often pursue careers as policy analysts, government relations specialists, legislative assistants, or public affairs managers. These roles typically require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or political consulting firms.

What kind of career can I get with a political science graduate?

A political science graduate can pursue careers in government, public policy, political analysis, lobbying, international relations, or non-profit organizations. These roles often require strong research, communication, and analytical skills, and may involve working with data, policy development, or advocacy efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Political Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA?

For Political Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Science Graduate jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Political Science Graduate jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Political Science Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Political Science Graduate job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Internship, 43% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,344 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Research Fellow

10a Labs

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$32.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

In this role, you will:

  • Conduct open-source and targeted research in various sources, including social media, forums, and news outlets.
  • Analyze, summarize, and clearly report findings for a variety of stakeholders.
  • Explore emerging questions and pursue lines of inquiry as they arise, adjusting focus as priorities shift.
  • Collaborate with teammates to design and refine research methods or analytic approaches.
  • Work on sensitive topics (e.g. hate, violence, scams and fraud, etc.) with professionalism and care. 

We're looking for someone who:

  • Possesses strong analytical, writing, and research skills.
  • Has experience or coursework in security research, international studies, trust & safety, or related fields.
  • Thinks critically, communicates findings clearly, and adapts quickly to evolving tasks.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in international relations, political science, economics, cybersecurity, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience.
  • Demonstrated interest or experience in online research, information security, or trust & safety.
  • Ability to quickly summarize complex information into concise, actionable reports.
  • Comfort working independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
  • Basic scripting skills (e.g., Python) or familiarity with research automation tools.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Work remotely, though must be based in the continental U.S. 
  • $25 per hour for undergraduate students 
  • $32.50 per hour for graduate students
  • Flexible schedule, potentially up to 20 hours per week (negotiable)