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How can I find internships related to public policy and also prepare myself for the public service career?
Hi everyone,
I am currently a undergraduate freshman at Baruch College. I am interested mostly in public policy, law, and non-profit organizations. I like jobs where employees are interactive, communicate with people, goes to different places and helps others.
I wanted to ask how do I build myself as I continue my college journey to make sure I can secure a career path in Public service? What are the strategies I should follow from now to secure some good internship on this field? In addition to that what type of internship would be a good fit for this type of role and also how do I navigate those, and lastly what employers are looking for, when they interview people in public policy sector?
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Jing’s Answer
Hi Zarin,
Thank you for your questions.
Public service toward roles include but not limited to policy assistant, legislative aide, community outreach coordinator, program associate, program officer, legal assistant, advocacy organizer etc., so if you'd like to find internships, you can target these related.
In terms of how to find these internships, you can try below platforms:
***Idealist.org : https://www.idealist.org/en/internships
***USAJobs Pathways: https://intern.usajobs.gov/
***NYC Government Internships Portal: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/internship-and-fellowships.page
***New York State assembly: https://nyassembly.gov/internship/?sec=about
***New York State Senate Student: https://www.nysenate.gov/student-programs
***Baruch Starr Career Development Center: https://baruch.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/starr
As undergraduate freshman, you have enough time to prepare. First, focus and prioritize related coursework including American government, public policy, sociology and communication, political science or law, economics, law & ethics courses etc.; Second, improve your skills, such as official document writing, data analysis, public speaking and cross-cultural communication; Third, build your experience steadily, join campus public policy clubs, volunteer organizations, take proper internships, which not only can help you to gain community service experience, but also can create networking.
Your interests are great, keep moving and best wishes to you.
Thank you for your questions.
Public service toward roles include but not limited to policy assistant, legislative aide, community outreach coordinator, program associate, program officer, legal assistant, advocacy organizer etc., so if you'd like to find internships, you can target these related.
In terms of how to find these internships, you can try below platforms:
***Idealist.org : https://www.idealist.org/en/internships
***USAJobs Pathways: https://intern.usajobs.gov/
***NYC Government Internships Portal: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/internship-and-fellowships.page
***New York State assembly: https://nyassembly.gov/internship/?sec=about
***New York State Senate Student: https://www.nysenate.gov/student-programs
***Baruch Starr Career Development Center: https://baruch.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/starr
As undergraduate freshman, you have enough time to prepare. First, focus and prioritize related coursework including American government, public policy, sociology and communication, political science or law, economics, law & ethics courses etc.; Second, improve your skills, such as official document writing, data analysis, public speaking and cross-cultural communication; Third, build your experience steadily, join campus public policy clubs, volunteer organizations, take proper internships, which not only can help you to gain community service experience, but also can create networking.
Your interests are great, keep moving and best wishes to you.
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Ashley’s Answer
Hi Zarin, it's wonderful that you're thinking about your career interests so early in college. Internships are a great way to use what you're learning as a freshman. You might want to see if your school works with any NGOs where you could get involved. Also, check if there are any local branches of global NGOs like the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, or Food for the Poor near you. There are also many online opportunities with groups like UN volunteers.
If you don't find something that excites you, consider starting your own project! You could create a resource to help other students like you find and connect with meaningful causes. This could be a great way to share what you've learned and inspire others.
If you don't find something that excites you, consider starting your own project! You could create a resource to help other students like you find and connect with meaningful causes. This could be a great way to share what you've learned and inspire others.