2 answers
Reyna
Student
Attleboro, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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I am a rising college sophomore, I am working this summer full time as a lifeguard but I want to find more opportunities for advocacy/law/political science for the school year and prepare for an internship for next summer. How do I get started/any recommendations?
I want to find opportunities in the greater Boston area specifically.
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2 answers
Madeline Zhang
Career Coach
5
Answers
Lacon, Illinois
Updated
Madeline’s Answer
Hello Reyna
I'm glad that you’re already thinking ahead about your career direction in the early year of college! That's a great starting point!
Since you’re currently a rising sophomore, you actually have a lot of time to explore and build experience intentionally. The key right now is not to feel like you need to “decide everything,” but to start getting exposure and testing different areas within advocacy, law, and political science.
Here are a few practical ways to get started:
1. Get involved on campus this fall
Look for student organizations related to political science, pre-law, debate, public policy, or community service. These groups often offer leadership roles, events, and networking opportunities that help you understand the field better.
2. Seek experiential learning opportunities
Try to find internships, volunteer roles, or part-time positions with:
(1) legal aid organizations
(2) nonprofit advocacy groups
(3) local government offices
(4) campus civic engagement programs
Even short-term or volunteer experiences can help you build direction.
3. Start building foundational skills
Focus on skills that are valuable across law and policy fields:
(1) writing and communication
(2) public speaking
(3) research and critical thinking
(4) understanding social issues and policy systems
Your current job as a lifeguard already shows responsibility, teamwork, and discipline—those are actually transferable skills you can build on.
4. Talk to people in the field
Try informational interviews with professors, advisors, or professionals in law/policy. Asking “what path did you take?” can give you clarity and realistic expectations.
5. Prepare gradually for next summer
Once you’ve explored a bit this school year, you’ll be in a much stronger position to apply for internships next summer with a clearer focus.
Most importantly, don’t feel pressure to have everything figured out right now—this stage is really about exploration and building direction step by step.
Let me know if you still need any help.
Best
Madeline
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I'm glad that you’re already thinking ahead about your career direction in the early year of college! That's a great starting point!
Since you’re currently a rising sophomore, you actually have a lot of time to explore and build experience intentionally. The key right now is not to feel like you need to “decide everything,” but to start getting exposure and testing different areas within advocacy, law, and political science.
Here are a few practical ways to get started:
1. Get involved on campus this fall
Look for student organizations related to political science, pre-law, debate, public policy, or community service. These groups often offer leadership roles, events, and networking opportunities that help you understand the field better.
2. Seek experiential learning opportunities
Try to find internships, volunteer roles, or part-time positions with:
(1) legal aid organizations
(2) nonprofit advocacy groups
(3) local government offices
(4) campus civic engagement programs
Even short-term or volunteer experiences can help you build direction.
3. Start building foundational skills
Focus on skills that are valuable across law and policy fields:
(1) writing and communication
(2) public speaking
(3) research and critical thinking
(4) understanding social issues and policy systems
Your current job as a lifeguard already shows responsibility, teamwork, and discipline—those are actually transferable skills you can build on.
4. Talk to people in the field
Try informational interviews with professors, advisors, or professionals in law/policy. Asking “what path did you take?” can give you clarity and realistic expectations.
5. Prepare gradually for next summer
Once you’ve explored a bit this school year, you’ll be in a much stronger position to apply for internships next summer with a clearer focus.
Most importantly, don’t feel pressure to have everything figured out right now—this stage is really about exploration and building direction step by step.
Let me know if you still need any help.
Best
Madeline
Madeline recommends the following next steps:
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
81
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Martha D.’s Answer
This is a great question, Reyna. Some thoughts:
- Checking with career services / center at your college. They may have lists of opportunities students have had before or contacts in the area. They may also be able to help connect you with alumni in those work areas. If not, the alumni affairs office may be able to assist.
- If you don't have to be paid, there may be a program or club in advocacy such as for health care or food security. You will learn from the experience as well as make connections in the field. You may even be able to gain class credit. Check with community engagement/student life at your school for that.
- A quick search showed that many advocacy / law internships are for law students, but the two below appear to also be for college undergraduates (scroll down the MA Attorney General page). You could also contact state and local legislators for your area who may support issues of concern to you and need interns for constituent service.
I hope this helps and wish you luck!
Greater Boston Legal Services - https://www.gbls.org/get-involved/student-internships
MA Attorney General - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/internships-at-the-attorney-generals-office-ago
- Checking with career services / center at your college. They may have lists of opportunities students have had before or contacts in the area. They may also be able to help connect you with alumni in those work areas. If not, the alumni affairs office may be able to assist.
- If you don't have to be paid, there may be a program or club in advocacy such as for health care or food security. You will learn from the experience as well as make connections in the field. You may even be able to gain class credit. Check with community engagement/student life at your school for that.
- A quick search showed that many advocacy / law internships are for law students, but the two below appear to also be for college undergraduates (scroll down the MA Attorney General page). You could also contact state and local legislators for your area who may support issues of concern to you and need interns for constituent service.
I hope this helps and wish you luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps: