As a political science major, I have been asked several times “What are you going to do with that degree?” Whether it was from a family member at Thanksgiving or one of my friends that was a STEM major, I have heard it pretty frequently. It can be rather discouraging hearing this over and over again, not having an answer at my disposal. I am here to tell you to keep pursuing your goals and not let that deter you from your career path. Mitchell Allen has had a handful of experience with this question, but he didn’t let the doubt it instilled stop him from graduating with his Bachelor’s in political science. Now, he is the field director for Al Lawson, the U.S. representative for Florida’s fifth congressional district.Â
For juniors and seniors majoring in political science, Allen recommends building up connections, as connecting with experts will open the door for more learning and career opportunities. This can be done by joining some organizations that interest you, as you never know who you might meet or what connections you might make. While reminiscing on his college experience, Mitchell admitted that establishing connections with people brought him some stress during his freshman year, but in his second year of college, he branched out and was able to start making those connections.
With hundreds of different organizations on campus to choose from, Allen settled on the College Democrats. He joined the organization during his freshman year and it allowed him to visualize what his career might look like with regard to leadership. College Democrats helped connect Allen with several people who have helped him get to where he is now, even his current job. Allen also sought out programs outside of FSU. He was involved in Leadership Tallahassee and regards it as one of the best organizations outside of FSU for anyone interested in bettering Tallahassee and Leon County as a whole.Â
Between graduating and working for Al Lawson, Mitchell was a Legislative Aide for State Representative Allison Tant, as well as Deputy Campaign Manager for her re-election bid to State House District 9. Mitchell enjoys working for Al Lawson, but he claims he takes it day by day. He says some days are amazing and don’t even feel like work, while others are tough and make him count the minutes as they go by. However, through his experience, he shows it is important to stay flexible as you enter the working world as a recent graduate. If you are a recent graduate you may not find a job you resonate with right away, but that’s okay. Be patient with yourself. Stay true to who you are and work hard, and you will end up exactly where you are meant to be.
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