“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
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 ...
Graduate School in International Affairs, Political Science, Policy, etc
This resource covers:
Masters Degrees
- Master in Public Policy (MPP),
- Master of Public Administration (MPA),
- Master of International Affairs/Relations/Foreign Policy/Foreign Service,
- Master of Security Studies/National Security
- Master of Political Science
Joint Degrees
- JD/MPP, JD/MPA
- MBA/MPP, MBA/MPA
PhD in Political Science/Government/Politics or PhD in Public Policy
Getting Started in Politics, Advocacy, Government at the Local & National Levels
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.
Private Sector: Consulting (Political, Management, International, Defense) and Government Relations
This resource is an overview of:
- Political consulting: firms who are hired by individuals, political groups, and campaigns to help run political campaigns
- Management consulting & Strategic Advisory: in this document, this term refers to firms that focus on consulting as it relates to government and international affairs interests and aerospace and defense contracting
- Government relations: the sector of an organization that focuses on public policy and advocacy.
Study Abroad: Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy Careers
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.
“I was motivated to fight for environmental justice in my community after hearing about the respiratory illnesses that many children were diagnosed with as a result of the environmental contamination we live with.”
“Medicine is about studying how life works, but the practice of medicine is also learning about life through other people. I have appreciated the opportunity to experience both this summer.”
“Throughout my four years at Wellesley, I have come to understand that a deeper understanding of China’s role in global issues is crucial to foster cooperation globally.”
Resources for Underrepresented Students and Alumnae Applying to Health Profession Schools
A crucial topic in healthcare today is how to eliminate inequities in the quality and availability of medical care for ethnic, racial, social, and economic minorities. There is an urgent need to increase both the diversity and cultural competence of our health care workforce.
Carnegie Junior Fellows Program (seniors & graduates)
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program supports a year's work at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC. Eligible are graduating seniors and recent graduates who are eligible to work in the US for a year. Campus application deadline typically in November.
Boren Awards (students)
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."
“She said, ‘If you could do anything in the world, what would you be?’ I immediately said, ‘A nurse, but it’s too late.’ She said, ‘No it’s not.”