“I previously had dreams to be an author, but found myself called by the combination of logic, mystery, and truth in science.”

Introduction to Careers in the U.S. Federal Government

Nicole
Nicole D. Park

 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the world and eager to help the United States government tackle complex issues, you may want to explore career opportunities in the federal government. From climate change to national security, highway safety to space exploration (and everything in between), the federal government offers a huge range of internship and job opportunities in every branch of government and in over 400 federal agencies.  Did you know:

  • Federal employees work in every U.S. state and territory, in Washington D.C
  • ...

Getting Started in Politics, Advocacy, Government at the Local & National Levels

Nicole
Nicole D. Park

Local and state government offers students a great opportunity to see how agencies and legislation work on a smaller scale. For students passionate about their state or a particular issue, state politics is a wonderful place to get started! Below, I highlight a few ways to get involved in politics at the local (including at Wellesley!) and state level. In terms of gaining experience at the national level in US politics and policy, DC is the place to go. This document will address finding a range of internships in DC as well tips for networking. We’ll start with the three branches of government, briefly address other government agencies, move to international organizations, and finish with think tanks and nonprofits. For students interested in international affairs and government, intern and/or study abroad to demonstrate your regional expertise and intercultural communication and adaptability skills.   

Publishing

Hebert
Hebert Labbate

There are a wide range of opportunities in book publishing. Some departments you may find include: Editorial, Finance, Contracts, Publicity, Art & Design, Production, Information Technology, Marketing/Advertising/Promotions, Subsidiary Rights and Permissions, Sales, Internet Development, Distribution. A rapidly growing trend in the publishing arena is electronic, audio, and new media formats.

Performing Arts

Hebert
Hebert Labbate

Like most art disciplines, careers in theatre span widely from performance and creative roles to technical positions to administrative functions and even educational and therapeutic professions.

“Listen to your heart and use your head. Math and science ignited my imagination for as far back as I can remember.”

Study Abroad: Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy Careers

Nicole
Nicole D. Park

Students interested in careers in government, law, international affairs, and public policy are encouraged to focus on skill development and experience. This is especially important as employers, and graduate programs in this space continue to look for commitment to understanding these industries.  Below please find suggested study abroad experiences that help develop specific skills and experiences to help be competitive in these industries.

Journalism

Hebert
Hebert Labbate

Almost every career in journalism begins with writing experience. While many schools offer specialized degrees in journalism, with courses like Feature Article Writing, Digital Storytelling, Investigative Journalism, etc, students can use skills gained from a liberal arts education to prepare for this career In fact, there are very specialized areas of journalism that are advantaged by a background in science, economics, or other disciplines.

Creative Writing

Hebert
Hebert Labbate

As a practice, creative writing refers to a wide variety of disciplines. Writers who want to publish novels, poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction often earn an MFA and support their creative practice by teaching in higher education.

Science Research

Alexis Trench
Alexis Trench

Participating in research experiences as an undergraduate is an excellent way to add depth to your science understanding and actively engage with what you are learning in the classroom. By doing so, you further develop your laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills, and you start to build your network with faculty members. Research experiences are valuable components to your resume, and they can make you more competitive for both graduate school and industry opportunities.

National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD; Boulder, CO; and Waimanalo, Hawaii. The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship is designed to inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through a unique research experience that supports the NIST mission.  Eligible are currently enrolled undergraduates who are US citizens or permanent residents, majoring in chemistry, computer science, physics, engineering, materials science, fire research, nanotechnology, information technology, mathematics, biology, manufacturing, statistics, or another STEM discipline.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (sophomores and juniors)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

Supports one or two years of undergraduate study in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences. Eligible are college sophomores or juniors who are US citizens, permanent residents, and nationals intending to pursue research careers in STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in late November/early December.

Churchill Scholarships (seniors & graduates)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

Supports one year of graduate study (including one-year research degrees) in science, mathematics, or engineering at Cambridge. Eligible: graduating seniors and recent graduates of Wellesley College who are US citizens with majors in appropriate STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in early October.

Boren Awards (students)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

Supports study abroad of less-commonly-taught languages in world regions critical to US interests, and underrepresented in study abroad. Study abroad programs of a year are preferred, but a spring plus summer can be a good option and summer programs will be considered for students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Eligible for the Scholarship are Wellesley first years, sophomores, and juniors who are US citizens, and Wellesley seniors who are also applying for U.S.-based graduate programs might apply for the Fellowship. Campus application deadline typically in January.

Wellesley students should seek advice about appropriate study abroad programs from the Office of International Study, although the Fellowships office is happy to offer advice on Boren Scholarship applications.

"Sarah Ahmed [former Gov, Intl. Affairs and Law Advisor] has been an invaluable resource for securing an internship in DC, as a source of advice and a guiding light pointing me in the direction of opportunities."

Jun 2, 2024

Prilla Smith Brackett Award Art Prize - deadline

Applicants must identify as female, live in the Greater Boston area, and be at a career stage beyond the first five years of professional practice.

Research/Gradschool, International Student, Undergraduate

The biennial Prilla Smith Brackett Award honors an outstanding female-identifying visual artist based in the Greater Boston area. Funded by Prilla Smith Brackett (Wellesley Class of 1964) and administered by the Davis Museum at Wellesley College. The $15,000 cash award will be given to the artist whose work demonstrates extraordinary artistic vision, talent, and skill.

The 2024 application portal will open on Wednesday, May 1 and close at 11:59pm on Sunday...