As a graduate student at Emerson College, you will have access to a variety of exclusive benefits and opportunities that will help prepare you to take your career to the next level.
Global Networking Opportunities
Emerson’s faculty and alumni span the globe, allowing you exclusive access to our professional networks. Our extensive network connects you to internship and employment opportunities.
Students interested in international relations and European politics can study for a term in cities like Sydney, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Additionally, you will have opportunities to present research at national and global conferences, as well as publication opportunities.
Our network has provided students with unique career-building opportunities, such as:
- Strategic communication, political, and advocacy support during the US 2016 election, working with international journalists and the US Embassy in Nepal;
- Nation-branding seminars in Iceland;
- Health communication workshops in Australia and New Zealand;
- Campaign work at the Iowa Caucus, California and New Hampshire primaries, and the Republican and Democratic Conventions;
- Canadian and Mexican election support.
Career Outlook for Political Communication Graduates
The field of political communication is one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, with a 7% job growth projected over the next 10 years. Emerson’s approach to practical learning experiences ensures that students complete the School of Communication’s Political Communication graduate program with the skills needed to advance their careers.
Career paths you can pursue post-graduation include:
- Campaign Managers;
- Chiefs of Staff;
- Digital Strategy Managers;
- Event Managers;
- Fundraisers;
- NGO advocates;
- Pollsters;
- Public Affairs Managers;
- Public Relations Strategists;
- Social Media Content Managers;
- Speechwriters.
Political Communication Alumni
As a graduate of our Political Communication MA program, you will become part of a robust alumni network.
Program alumni include:
- Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield;
- David Calusdian, President, Sharon Merrill, and Associates, Boston;
- Susan DelPercio, Political Correspondent, MSNBC, New York;
- John Diamantakiou, Special Assistant to Sen. Robert Dole;
- Shawn Donnelley, President, Strategic Giving, Chicago;
- Jeff Kimball, President, United Way;
- Phil Maggi, Lobbyist, and Lawyer, Connecticut, and DC;
- Kevin Mercuri, CEO, Prophet Communications, New York;
- Patrick Morris, Senior Managing Director, Hagin Investment, New York;
- Katie Prisco-Buxbaum, Campaign Manager for Andrea Campbell (Boston Mayoral Election), Former Finance Chair for Kamala Harris for President, Former Finance Chair for California Gov. Gavin Newsom;
- Dr. Scott C. Ratzan, Editor, Journal of Health Communication; Former Vice President of Global Health, Johnson & Johnson.
A Student’s Perspective
Emerson Edge Benefits
- Career exploration and preparedness: Work with the Career Development Center to discuss your interests and skills to investigate different career paths. Our Career Development team reviews industry trends and updates you on emerging career paths and industries. Start with the Graduate Career Action Plan to learn about your skills, the Emerson community, industry, and network. Work with our team to craft your resume, cover letter, and portfolio and receive access to exclusive job listings.
- Attend graduate student events: Meet new friends and network with your colleagues in the graduate community at in-person and online events hosted by the Graduate Student Association.
- Work with your graduate program director: Your graduate program director serves as a mentor to you and your classmates. They’ll help you connect with alumni, identify internship and career opportunities, and build a class schedule that excites you.
- Network with Emerson alumni: Our alumni network consists of 51,000+ proud Lions. Meet alumni from around the globe through Emerson’s exclusive Emerge platform, and in-person and virtual events hosted by our Alumni Relations team. Our alumni are known for helping each other out, from mentoring opportunities to career guidance, and you’ll join one of the best alumni networks in the country.
- Consult with our Lacerte Family Writing and Academic Resource Center to create a work-life balance plan and receive feedback on writing projects and coursework for native and non-native English speakers.
- Find graduate housing: Work with our Off-Campus Student Services to find off-campus graduate housing, roommates, neighborhood and budgeting advice, and even learn how to sign a lease.
- Explore our accessible resources: Coordinate with our Student Accessibility Services to receive access and support to our graduate programs and courses, activities, and services to ensure your needs are met while studying at Emerson.