Government, Policy & Law Careers
Careers in government, public policy, and law all focus on shaping how society works—whether that’s creating policies, enforcing laws, or delivering public services. Professionals in these fields work to address real-world issues like education, healthcare, economic development, and social justice.
Relevant Majors & Pathways
- Political Science (Major/Minor)
- Global & International Studies (Major)
- History (Major/Minor)
- Philosophy (Major/Minor)
- Economics (Major/Minor)
- Activism & Social Change (Pathway)
- Global Impacts (Pathway)
Sample Jobs & Responsibilities
Common Job Titles
- City Planner
- Policy Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Intelligence Analyst
What You’ll Do
- Develop and implement programs (education, transportation, health, etc.)
- Analyze data to support public decisions
- Communicate with the public and stakeholders
- Manage budgets and government resources
- Ensure policies are followed and evaluated
Common Job Titles
- Policy Analyst
- Legislative Assistant
- Research Associate
- Advocacy Coordinator
- Program Evaluator
What You’ll Do
- Research policy issues and analyze data
- Write reports and policy briefs
- Track legislation and political developments
- Advocate for policy changes
- Evaluate the impact of programs and laws
Key Skills
- Research and analytical thinking
- Writing and communication
- Attention to detail
- Understanding of political systems
- Persuasion and advocacy
Common Job Titles
- Attorney / Lawyer
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Compliance Analyst
- Court Clerk
What You’ll Do
- Research laws, regulations, and legal precedents
- Prepare legal documents and case materials
- Advise clients or organizations
- Represent clients in court (for licensed attorneys)
- Ensure compliance with laws and regulations
Key Skills
- Critical thinking and logical reasoning
- Writing and attention to detail
- Communication and argumentation
- Research skills
- Ethics and professionalism
Find Jobs & Internships
Recruiting timelines vary by field, but many roles begin hiring early—often as soon as August or September for federal government and media roles—while others, like public policy, marketing, and legal services, tend to recruit later into the spring, with some local and state government positions offering rolling deadlines.
Think Tanks & Public Policy
- Internships: November–March
- Full-time roles: January–May
Federal Government
- Internships: August–March
- Full-time roles: September–March
Local & State Government
- Internships: November–February
- Full-time roles: Rolling deadlines
Legal Services
- Internships: Varies by employer
- Full-time roles: January–March
