Career Paths

We are often asked what our majors do with a degree in government and legal studies. The short answer: anything you want.

Beyond Bowdoin

The study of politics in the Department of Government and Legal Studies at Bowdoin has traditionally provided a liberal arts background in government for careers in teaching, public service, journalism, business, and law.

Our majors are employed in a range of jobs and activities, from consulting firms to tech and media companies. Below are some places where our government majors from the classes of 2010 to 2021 are currently working:

List of employers (PDF)
Job positions (PDF)

For anyone interested in an academic career in political science, consider checking out the resource page on our professional association site, the American Political Science Association. Our faculty are also eager to meet with any student considering a career in academics.

"Where I Work"

Join Government and Legal Studies alumni for a tour of their workspace, and learn more about how their time at Bowdoin College helped to shape their professional careers.

Morgan Rielly ’18, Member of Maine House of Representitives

Morgan served his first term in the Maine Legislature in 2021, representing the district that includes his hometown of Westbrook. He’s running again this fall. Read more