Pathways into policy

These guides offer advice on getting policy experience and jobs for people with different backgrounds and experience levels—from college graduate to mid-career professional.

Advice for undergraduates

Many undergraduates consider pursuing a career in US policy but are uncertain about how to test their fit and get a foot in the door. This post provides advice and highlights opportunities for college students.

Graduate school

Graduate degrees are valuable (and often necessary) to pivot into or advance in your policy career. This guide covers the three main graduate degree pathways: policy master’s, law school, and PhDs.

Policy internships

Policy internships are among the best ways to test your fit for policy careers and advance professionally, whether you are a college student, recent graduate, or graduate student. This guide provides advice on where and how to apply.

Policy fellowships

Fellowships are among the best entryways into policy work, providing funding, training, mentoring, and networking. This guide includes a database with 50+ programs, including many for mid-career professionals.

Full-time policy roles

This page focuses on how to find and apply for full-time policy positions, highlighting job boards and relevant resources, outlining common career paths, listing opportunities, and explaining how to narrow down your options.

Short-term policy programs

Short-term policy programs can help you build expertise, network, and explore policy careers. This post highlights a range of policy seminars, workshops, and courses, typically running from 2-3 days to 6 weeks (many are free or offer stipends).

Underrepresented groups

Entering a policy career can be particularly challenging for individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in the policy world. This post offers advice and highlights opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Foreign nationals information

Some non-Americans wonder whether they’re eligible for public policy work in the US. This post provides information on the main immigration categories and explains the challenges and opportunities facing foreign nationals.