6 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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6 answers
Megan Tahl
Senior Manager - Tax Services
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Megan’s Answer
I would contact your school career office, but I would also narrow down exactly what you are looking for in an internship. Do you want to experience different careers? Do you want to work with the pubic? Do you want to influence policy at a local or national level? There are so many directions you can go; it is important to clarify your goals and then pursue internships that align with them. This is not to say that you can never change your mind. In fact, it is important to continuously reflect on yourself and determine whether you are where you want to be in life. A significant number of people fall into the sunk-cost fallacy and are afraid to change their minds or paths.
I would specifically target non-profit organizations that align with your values and goals. These organizations often look for interns or volunteers during the school year and breaks. These internships may not be paid, but they can be leveraged into work experience that can lead to other opportunities.
I would specifically target non-profit organizations that align with your values and goals. These organizations often look for interns or volunteers during the school year and breaks. These internships may not be paid, but they can be leveraged into work experience that can lead to other opportunities.
Shareen Mann
Consultant
5
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Shareen’s Answer
Hi Reyna! Here are some steps you can take that might help:
1. Search for local nonprofits using keywords like "students" or "interns." This can help you find places that are hiring people your age.
2. Reach out to people on LinkedIn. You might have to work without pay at first. If that happens, try to split your time between a law or advocacy firm and a lifeguarding job, if possible. This early investment in your career might lead to a paid job next summer or help you later on.
3. If you need to work full-time as a lifeguard, consider taking online courses or community college law classes. This can free up your college schedule for work or internships in case something comes up during the year. You might be able to handle one summer class while working full-time.
4. Visit local or state government offices, like libraries or museums, and ask if you can work or volunteer at events on weekends. This could help you network and connect with people who value your skills and interests. Hope this helps!
Online research with the following key words: nonprofit; government; student; intern
Outreach on linkedin
1 or 2 community college or online courses
1. Search for local nonprofits using keywords like "students" or "interns." This can help you find places that are hiring people your age.
2. Reach out to people on LinkedIn. You might have to work without pay at first. If that happens, try to split your time between a law or advocacy firm and a lifeguarding job, if possible. This early investment in your career might lead to a paid job next summer or help you later on.
3. If you need to work full-time as a lifeguard, consider taking online courses or community college law classes. This can free up your college schedule for work or internships in case something comes up during the year. You might be able to handle one summer class while working full-time.
4. Visit local or state government offices, like libraries or museums, and ask if you can work or volunteer at events on weekends. This could help you network and connect with people who value your skills and interests. Hope this helps!
Shareen recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Johnson
Professional Services
7
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Reyna,
I completely understand where you're coming from. When I was in college, I was a lifeguard too, and I was eager to find internships and volunteer opportunities. Start by checking with your college's career office. They might have some great opportunities on campus or in the local community that you can join during the school year. Plus, they could help you find internships for next summer.
Don't forget to use your network. The Boston area is full of connections in fields like advocacy, law, and non-profits. With so many colleges nearby, you have a great chance to meet new people and discover exciting opportunities. Keep exploring, and you'll find something that truly inspires you!
I completely understand where you're coming from. When I was in college, I was a lifeguard too, and I was eager to find internships and volunteer opportunities. Start by checking with your college's career office. They might have some great opportunities on campus or in the local community that you can join during the school year. Plus, they could help you find internships for next summer.
Don't forget to use your network. The Boston area is full of connections in fields like advocacy, law, and non-profits. With so many colleges nearby, you have a great chance to meet new people and discover exciting opportunities. Keep exploring, and you'll find something that truly inspires you!
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:
Thank you so much for your comment! I truly appreciate your advice and time.
Reyna
Yoav Traeger
Bid Manager
140
Answers
Kiryat Ono, Tel Aviv District
Updated
Yoav’s Answer
It is so impressive that you're balancing a full-time lifeguarding job this summer while already strategically thinking ahead to your future in advocacy, law, and political science. Since you're in the greater Boston area, you actually have one of the best locations in the country for this, and you can start taking steps right when you get back to campus this fall. A great place to start is by looking into undergraduate internships or volunteer roles with organizations like Greater Boston Legal Services, or even applying for the non-legal undergraduate internship program with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, which has options during both the school year and the summer. You could also look at campus-based advocacy groups like MASSPIRG or work on local political campaigns, which are always looking for passionate students and offer incredible hands-on experience that'll look amazing on your resume when you apply for bigger summer internships next spring. Don't worry if you don't have a ton of legal experience yet, because your lifeguard job already shows you're responsible, quick under pressure, and dedicated to helping others, which are traits any law or advocacy group would love to have. You've got a fantastic work ethic and a clear plan, and I'm sure you're going to land an incredible opportunity that sets you up for a bright future. Keep pushing forward, trust in your skills, and I wish you the absolute best of luck with your sophomore year and your career journey!
Martha D. Kramer
Corporate Training and Communications
97
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:
Thank you so much for your advice! I really appreciate your input!
Reyna
You're welcome!
Martha D. Kramer