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.
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
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.”
“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.”
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.