“Often women and children are used to build the pathos to justify certain decisions, and I thought it was crazy to look around the table at who is making the decisions and [see that] those people are not represented at all.”

“I’m so honored and grateful that this country allows immigrants like myself to represent the country and the diversity of the United States.”

“The Rangel fellowship is a dream come true. I’m able to study what most interests me with a wonderful job waiting for me at the end of it.”

“Wellesley gave me a solid foundation in international relations, so I wanted to explore more in-depth theoretical and historical elements, both for my own interest and for gaining specialist knowledge for my career.”

“Spending two months in Delhi and directly seeing the impact of this NGO’s work has made us grow as students and as individuals.”

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

Introduction to International Affairs

Marisa Crowley
Marisa Crowley ’05

A career in international affairs can be fueled by a passion to travel and a desire to learn about our global environment, effectuate change, and make a difference in the world. As an interdisciplinary field at Wellesley, the international affairs major exposes students to an array of perspectives and analytical methodologies that equip them to enter a workforce in a broad range of organizations and experiences. The work in international affairs can truly change the world; however, it is important to focus on the small steps that will maximize your success and lead you to a fruitful career in international affairs.

Graduate School in International Affairs, Political Science, Policy, etc

Nicole
Nicole D. Park

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

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.   

Private Sector: Consulting (Political, Management, International, Defense) and Government Relations

Nicole
Nicole D. Park

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

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.

“A strong Davis Projects for Peace proposal is always one that is grounded in a real knowledge of and investment in a community, providing a foundation that gives the student both inspiration and credibility as she strives to make real change.”

“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.”

Michel David-Weill Scholarship (seniors)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

Supports a two-year master’s degree in any field at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), but Economics is especially encouraged. Eligible are graduating seniors at Wellesley who are US citizens. Campus application deadline typically in November.

Carnegie Junior Fellows Program (seniors & graduates)

Kate Dailinger
Kate Dailinger

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)

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.

GoinGlobal

Wellesley Career Education logo
Wellesley Career Education

 

GoinGlobal is the leading provider of both country-specific and USA city-specific career and employment information. Our unlimited access subscription database features 38 Country Career Guides, 53 City Career Guides for the United States and Canada, corporate profiles and more than 16 million internship and job listings within the USA and around the world.