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 ...
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.
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.
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."
The Hillary Rodham Clinton Award for Peace and Reconciliation - direct application deadline
Eligible: candidates must have applied to the University for study in one of the outlined programmes by the relevant January deadline; must be issued with an offer for chosen programme by mid-February; must hold a 3.7 CGPA or above; must be a US citizen and must identify as female.
Queen's University Belfast will provide a full tuition-fee waiver to an exceptional female student from the USA who wishes to pursue study in a field related to politics, conflict transformation or human rights. The five MA programmes covered by the award will include LLM Human Rights Law; MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice; ...
Davis Fellows for Peace - direct application deadline
Eligible: all current students and alumnae of any nationality.
Established in 2007, the Fellows for Peace awards cover tuition, room, and board for one summer in any of the 12 Middlebury Language Schools at any level of study. The award does not cover travel, books, or incidentals. The fellowships are highly competitive, merit-based awards available to all applicants. Find out more about former Fellows for Peace.
The 100 annual fellowships are intended for exceptionally qualified individuals with demonstrated interest in one or more of the following areas:...
Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship - direct application deadline
Eligible: U.S. citizens who are current sophomores in IT-related majors OR seniors/graduates seeking admission to an IT-related Master's degree program for next fall; applicants must also have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, fulfill the summer internship obligation (two summers), and be prepared to enter the Foreign Service.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship is a path to a career in the Foreign Service. This two-year fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students with up to $75,000 in academic funding for an IT-related degree (junior and senior year of a bachelor’s degree or a two-year master’s degree). Fellows also get two summer internships (one in Washington, D.C. and one at an embassy or consulate abroad), professional...