Policy
A policy is a deliberate system of principles to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes. Possible career paths include civil service administrator, city manager, and diplomat. Think tanks, policy, research and advocacy organizations have opportunities for almost any policy interest or skill set. Those interested in policy may also work with private employers, acting as higher education advisors, public relations specialists, and healthcare coordinators.
We encourage you to check out these recommended resources for career exploration, internship and job searches.
Learn & Explore
- NIRA World Directory of Think Tanks — Search research institutes by name and country.
- Foreign Policy Jobs: From K Street to The Hill (PDF) — Contains lists of links for a wide variety of foreign policy organizations
- MDRC — Social policy research organization, and the website has links to recent publications, press releases, and public-use files. You can also learn more about current policy issues such as welfare reform, the working poor, family and children and education.
- National Center for Policy Analysis — Provides links to national as well as international news.
- Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program at U Penn — Often referred to as the “think tanks’ think tank,” TTCSP examines the evolving role and character of public policy research organizations.
Find Opportunities
- Partnership for Public Service — Job, internship and career information for students interested in public service.
- Opportunities in Public Affairs — Internship opportunities in the Washington, DC area focused on government, public relations, advocacy, and media. Username: TuftsCC; Password: Jumbo
- Global Jobs — Jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities in NGOs, think tanks, government, and the private sector.
- EMILY’s List — Jobs and internships with a nonprofit committed to electing pro-choice, Democratic women
- LobbyingJobs.com — A Dedicated Lobbying Job Board focused on delivering recruitment assistance and lobbying career opportunities for Local, State and Federal Lobbyists, Advocacy, Public Policy, Public Affairs and Government professionals.
- National Council of State Legislatures — Job listings for positions in state legislatures and other public policy jobs. Also includes a video and general information about exploring legislative careers.
- US Department of State — Updates on employment opportunities, including internships and programs for students in the US Department of State.
- United States Senate — Learn about job opportunities, internships and fellowships in the senate
- The House of Representatives — Employment opportunities within the House of Representatives
Sample Fellowships & Experiential Programs
- Emerson National Hunger Fellows — 11-month fellowship with orientation and field training in DC, five months with community-based organizations throughout the U.S., and the remainder of the time with organizations and government agencies focused on national anti-hunger and anti-poverty policy
- IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute Fellowship — provides recent grads with an opportunity to use critical thinking and analytic skills to work on challenges in science and technology (S&T) policy areas, including energy and the environment, space sciences, innovation and competitiveness, evaluation, life sciences, information technologies, national security, and STEM education
- Soros Justice Fellowships — 12-18 months, funds outstanding individuals to undertake projects that advance reform, spur debate, and catalyze change on a range of issues facing the U.S. criminal justice system
- Coro Fellowships — develops emerging leaders to work and lead across different sectors by equipping them with knowledge, skills, and networks to accelerate positive change
- RISE (Residency in Social Enterprise) Fellowship — 1-year program with various nonprofit partners
- Carnegie James C. Gaither Junior Fellows program — 1-year program where students work as research assistants to Carnegie scholars
