Reply to what quantitative skills are needed for social sciences jobs (political science, IR)

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm going to take a contrary view to all the quant boosters on this thread, some of whom are wildly overstating how relevant a few stats or econ classes will be. Here are my bonafides: I have an undergrad degree in IR and a PhD from a professional school of IR. I've worked in government and the private sector and think tanks. In my current role I hire entry level staff (as well as more senior people) who are pursuing careers in international affairs.

Fwiw, quantitative skills and training are absolutely essential for any polisci/IR PhD program or academic career today. And they can be useful for early career hiring or finding a place in a competitive marketplace. But most entry-level jobs related to IR are not going to require econ or statistics, and as a minor or a concentration within an IR or polisci degree, a handful of undergraduate stats or econ classes aren't going to be a ticket to a first job or a high-paying career. Few employers will look at undergrad transcripts as part of the hiring process. If stats or math classes are going to bring down the GPA, I doubt it's worth the tradeoff.

Most entry-level jobs related to IR will be highly generalist; the most important skills will be basic stuff, like attention to detail, follow-through, timeliness, and strong writing skills. Serious language skills, esp in critical languages, will be a big asset - but that means real proficiency. Depending on what your kid is interested in doing, internships are going to be a big boost to finding a first job. That first job should hopefully give him or her a good basis for figuring out how to become competitive for the next jobs. Networking is essential. Eventually they will need some kind of graduate degree - can be an IR MA or a policy MPP, JD or MBA, or other pathways.

If your kid wants to do some math, by all means they should do it - but don't sentence your kids to a lot of quantitative coursework under the illusion that it will somehow catapult them into a more successful/more lucrative career path straight out of undergrad.[/quote]

I appreciate this thorough response! And it makes common sense to me. GPA matters most and a few extra econ classes in undergrad won’t make or break a hiring.

What quant skills do you look for when hiring out entry level or intern positions? And how would you advise a college student to gain quant skills useful in the professional IR field. Thanks!

-OP[/quote]

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