Only 30% of Americans would encourage their child to enter politics: survey

There’s a survey for everything, including perceptions about careers. And at the moment, the political calling is not a very popular one among Americans.

On a list of 30 possible “prestigious” career choices, politician is ranked No. 26 — only outranking stockbroker, video game developer, real estate broker and — in last place — public relations consultant. More telling, the political career ranks dead last on the list as a future profession for children. Only 30 percent of the respondents, in fact, would encourage their child to enter politics.

The top 10 most prestigious jobs? A career as a doctor is at the top of the list, followed by scientist, firefighter, military officer, engineer, nurse, architect, emergency medical technician, veterinarian and police officer. Big majorities of the respondents would recommend all of the fields as professional choices.

Find the complete listing here.

Here’s a few sample numbers:

• 90 percent of Americans say being a doctor is a “prestigious” occupation; 90 percent would “encourage a child to pursue the field.

• 78 percent say being a military officer is prestigious; 64 percent would encourage a child to pursue the field.

• 67 percent say being a police officer is prestigious; 57 percent would encourage a child to pursue the field.

• 65 percent say being an entrepreneur is prestigious; 74 percent would encourage a child to pursue the field.

• 47 percent say being a journalist is prestigious; 57 percent would encourage a child to pursue the field.

• 40 percent say being a politician is prestigious; 30 percent would encourage a child to pursue the field.

Source: A Harris Poll of 2,223 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 11-16, 2015, and released Friday.