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)
“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.”
- Savitri Restrepo Alvarez ’16, International Relations and Political Science
Regardless of where you are in your career — whether you are unsure where to begin or you are preparing for a final round interview — conducting research can help you learn more about and prepare for potential career opportunities. There are many ways to gather information when you’re in the beginning stages of exploring your options, including career research and networking. In this resource, you’ll find ideas and general resources to get started.
Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research open to Wellesley seniors and graduates. Two awards are open to women graduates of any American institution (the Schimke and the Shackford). Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate/professional school for the following academic year; there is a single common application process for most of these awards, and the campus deadline is typically in January.
The four steps in this resource will help keep you focused and productive in your search. You should plan on revisiting each step as your knowledge and understanding of positions and industries grow. Each step below is outlined without a specific industry or position in mind. It is best to schedule an appointment with your Advisor for Career Exploration (ACE) or an Industry-specific Career Advisor to customize your process. The questions we have provided at each step are designed to help you reflect on your preparedness and identify what you may need to move forward in the process.
This one-year, full-time position is available to Wellesley College graduates, thanks to a long-standing arrangement between the college and the National Palace Museum. Each fellow’s responsibilities and job description will be determined, to some extent, according to the Museum’s current staffing requirements as well as the fellow’s personal background, interests and skills.
The Wellesley-Yenching Program in cooperation with Chung Chi College in Hong Kong sponsors a fellowship to teach or assist in teaching English at Chung Chi. This one-year fellowship is generally offered on an annual basis to a Wellesley College senior or graduate with the option to extend for a second year. Candidates are first interviewed by the committee at Wellesley College, which then sends on the credentials of its nominee for final approval by Chung Chi College.
Apply in spring semester 2025 for the 2025-26 Fellowship.
