“I previously had dreams to be an author, but found myself called by the combination of logic, mystery, and truth in science.”
Careers in the Military and Law Enforcement
The majority of law enforcement jobs are US government positions at the federal and state level and therefore are of interest to students interested in public service. The information below focuses on the maintenance of public order and enforcing the law. Please also refer to the “Government” resource page for more information about public service careers outside of military and physical law enforcement.
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.
Mathematics
Mathematics is essentially the study of patterns, and the understanding and application of these patterns is essential for the foundation of all other sciences. While mathematics is often studied in its own right, it is also applied to all manner of real world problems found in business, government, laboratories, medicine, engineering, and more.
“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.”
“I was thrilled by the idea of pursuing a career in reproductive justice, a personal and extracurricular interest of mine, and decided to explore opportunities related to this profession.”
“As a nurse I have educated patients and their families, provided a shoulder to cry on, assisted in surgeries, managed complicated equipment, advocated for my patients, saved them from unsafe prescribed doses of medications, visited new families at home, and witnessed both birth and death. I am a touchstone for patients and their families in their most joyful and tragic moments, and it is an honor.”
National Institutes of Standards & Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST SURF) (students)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) at NIST laboratories in Gaithersburg, MD, and Boulder, CO. 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 (students)
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.
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.
Churchill Scholarships (rising seniors & alumnae)
Supports one year of graduate study (including one-year research degrees) in science, mathematics, or engineering at Cambridge. Eligible: graduating seniors and recent alumnae of Wellesley College who are US citizens with majors in appropriate STEM fields. Campus application deadline typically in early October.
“Our time abroad this summer has allowed us to explore the broad discipline of global public health while getting a glimpse of life in Hanoi.”
“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.”