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.
“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
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.”
Job Shadowing
What better way to learn about a particular career path, industry, company, or role than experiencing it yourself? If you want to learn more about a specific path before committing to an internship or job, consider “shadowing” an individual who currently works in the field as a way to experience a typical workday in that career.
How to Use a Career Fair as an Exploration Opportunity
Career fairs are a great opportunity to explore and learn more about professional paths and opportunities and to practice networking. By attending a career fair, you’re able to speak with representatives from multiple organizations during one event. In your conversations, you will be able to learn about each organization — its values, work culture...etc. — and the types of opportunities they typically hire for.
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a common way to gather information about various careers by speaking with professionals in the field. Through informational interviews, your can explore career paths and job opportunities, as well as gain advice and insight into career industries and companies.
“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.”
How to Conduct Career Research
Regardless of where you are in your career — whether you are unsure where to begin or you are preparing for a final round interview — conducting research can help you learn more about and prepare for potential career opportunities. There are many ways to gather information when you’re in the beginning stages of exploring your options, including career research and networking. In this resource, you’ll find ideas and general resources to get started.
Career Education Suit Program
Is your wardrobe lacking the professional attire required to attend a conference, interview, or meeting? The Career Education Suit Program has quality suiting options for all gender identities in a full range of sizes. Students can choose from jackets, skirts, dresses, and pants. Suits may be borrowed for up to 7 days, with the date of return set upon check out.
Leverage Your Experience Abroad
Co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.
This resource provides tips to help you leverage your study abroad experience upon your return.
Maximize Your Experience Abroad
This resource was co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.
Learn how to maximize your study abroad experience by connecting to the Wellesley network, exploring beyond the classroom, and reflecting on your experience.
Thinking of Study Abroad?
This resource was co-authored by Wellesley Career Education and the Wellesley Office of International Study.
While it is easy to see the academic benefits of study abroad, it is also important to identify its career benefits. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has a list of competencies that contribute to the career readiness of today’s college graduates. Global/intercultural fluency was one of the marketable competencies on the list. Furthermore, in a NACE survey, employers identified their top four competencies: critical thinking/problem solving, professionalism/work ethic, teamwork, and communications skills. The great news is that you could develop all of these skills as part of your study abroad experience.
On-Campus Printing Services for Wellesley-Branded Business Cards
Business cards are useful for networking, career fairs, interviews, and more. While there are many online services that offer inexpensive business card printing, Wellesley Printing Services is a convenient, on-campus option for Wellesley-branded business cards.
On-Campus Recruiting Program Policies (Students)
Career Education expects all students to abide by the following rules in order to maintain the success and integrity of Wellesley’s recruiting program.
The Wellesley Hive Mentee Resource: What is Mentorship?
The Wellesley Hive is a flexible, interactive virtual space for professional networking and mentorship. Whether you are a student or an alumnae (at any career stage), the the Hive is a platform to connect with the mentors in the Wellesley network. This resource is an overview of how to use the Hive to find short-term or long-term mentorship, informational interviews, job shadowing, and more.
Navigating the Job Search: The 4 Step Model
The four steps in this resource will help keep you focused and productive in your search. You should plan on revisiting each step as your knowledge and understanding of positions and industries grow. Each step below is outlined without a specific industry or position in mind. It is best to schedule an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE) or an Industry-specific Career Advisor to customize your process. The questions we have provided at each step are designed to help you reflect on your preparedness and identify what you may need to move forward in the process.