Welcome to the Government, Law, and Public Policy career advising page! Wellesley's rigorous liberal arts curriculum prepares students and graduates to make a difference in the world, equipped with a skill set that is especially relevant in these industries. Careers in these areas require that individuals understand historical context, exhibit critical thinking, and display passion for service — whether it be in an NGO, a think tank, government agency, or the private sector. These industries are often intertwined. For example, a student exploring a career in law may contemplate a career in international development or the Foreign Service. Given the overlap, it is important to define your personal interests and explore how they align with careers in this space to identify what fulfills you most.
Students and graduates are encouraged to get started by exploring the resources below and scheduling an appointment in Handshake to meet with Nicole Park (Career Advisor for Government, Law, and Public Policy)
Law Resources
Is law school right for you? Explore the resources and videos below to learn more about careers in law and applying to law school.
Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.
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Law School Acceptance Rate
83%
83% of Wellesley applicants are accepted to at least one law school (based on 5-year data from 2015–2020)
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.
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.
"Do I want to apply now?" There is no simple way to answer this question because the reasoning is different for each person. This resource will help you to consider if this is the best time for you to apply for graduate school.
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.
