Career Planning

Degrees in the liberal arts make college graduates attractive to potential employers by opening up the graduates’ intellectual horizons while equipping them with unique skill sets. The Career Blueprint offers more information about the competencies you can develop through coursework in the liberal arts.

The skill set developed by pursuing a PPEL degree is particularly wide-spanning, preparing our graduates for a variety of professions. The key to success, however, is following one’s intellectual interests and passions and taking advantage of the many opportunities the department has to offer, both in and outside the classroom.

Skills You Will Gain as a PPEL Major

  • Critical thinking
  • Writing effectively
  • Understanding complex problems
  • Linking specific issues to broad concepts
  • Public speaking
  • Conceptualizing /implementing research projects

Graduate School

While PPEL majors can enter a range of exciting careers, many choose to apply their background in government to the study of law. Students have been accepted to the top law schools in recent years. Of course, some students also go on to study public or social policy, public health, business, international studies and even political science at the graduate level. Recent graduates have received acceptances from graduate programs across the country.

Get Out There

Remember, it’s never too early to visit Career Services. Exploring how your skills, experiences, interests and values can influence your career choices is something you can do from your first year at Richmond through your fourth and beyond. Whether you are searching for that first job, exploring graduate school options, or considering something unique like a bridge experience or fellowship, Career Services can help you get there.