Government, Policy, Law & International Affairs
The Government, Policy, Law & International Affairs cluster is a broad category of fields that are often suited for those who are mission-driven and seek to provide knowledge, support and resources for the common good.
Government or the public sector encompasses roles at the federal, state and local levels. Public sector opportunities span across all disciplines and are great options for students from all academic backgrounds with varied experiences.
The Law/Legal services field remains an ever-evolving, yet stable and prestigious profession. The diversity of career options and specializations offer intellectually stimulating environments that provide consistent growth professionally and financially.
International Affairs allows professionals to contribute to foreign diplomacy and engage in international policy issues such peace and security, health pandemics, human trafficking and climate change, to name a few.
Where UMD Alumni have Worked or Interned
- Prince George’s County, Maryland
- Maryland General Assembly
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Covington & Burley, LLP
- Montgomery County Police Department
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Chemonics
- International Rescue Committee
- World Bank
Career options if you have a...
- Government
- Contract Specialist
- Economic Research Assistant
- Human Resources Specialist
- Intelligence Analyst
- Program Analyst
- Survey Statistician
- Policy
- Case Manager
- Election Protection Organizer
- Legislative Director
- Political Team Leader
- Program Delivery Assistant
- Staff Assistant
- Law
- Arbitrator
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Police Officer
- International Affairs
- Asylee Caseworker
- Diplomat
- Political Affairs Officer
- Foreign Affairs Analyst
- Political Scientist
- Lobbyist
- Economist
- Criminologist
- Compliance Officer
- Social Worker
- Judge
- Lawyer
- Faculty
Vault - Firsthand Career Guides
Requires login to Vault - Firsthand, available via your Handshake account.
Government, Policy, Law & Internal Affairs Careers on YouTube
Government and Public Administration
Learn MoreLaw, Public Safety and Corrections
Learn MoreLegislators
Learn MoreForensic Science Technicians
Learn MoreWays to Gain Experience
Tips for Finding a Job & Internship
- Many federal agencies post openings on USAjobs.gov, the federal government’s official career website. Create a profile, use the resume builder to create your resume and be sure to sign up for alert notifications of roles of interest. The Students and Recent Graduates section page will provide particularly helpful information.
- The federal resume is unlike the standard resume you may be familiar with. Check out our federal resume sample and read more about federal resume best practices.
- Other helpful sites for looking for government and policy roles include GoGovernment.org, ProFellow, Daybook, Tom Manatos Jobs
- Many federal roles, including internships require candidates to undergo a basic background investigation to ensure you are “reliable, trustworthy, of good conduct and character and loyal to the United States.” Learning more about the security clearance process is an important part of your research for opportunities in the field.
- If you are interested in pursuing law school, connect with and get involved with the resources available to you via the Pre-Law Advising Office. They will support in course selection, the law school application process and connections to professionals in the field.
- Our proximity to DC makes a career within the international affairs space of interest to many. Check out this informative article on building a career in foreign relations for a detailed look on how to best position for the field.
Upcoming Events
-
December 18, 2024
Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Forrest City, Arkansas Job Fair
Work on the inside! Join us to learn more about work that goes beyond the uniform. Hear directly from our experienced staff and passionate employees to learn more about exciting, fulfilling career opportunities with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP).
View Event Details for Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Forrest City, Arkansas Job Fair -
January 7, 2025
Spring 2025 Summer Intern VIRTUAL Info Session!- United States Postal Service
During this Virtual Fair, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our Current Job Openings and Developmental Programs, which include:
View Event Details for Spring 2025 Summer Intern VIRTUAL Info Session!- United States Postal Service -
January 8, 2025
The Truth About NSA: Answers to Your FAQ
As an intelligence agency that solves critical national security challenges, NSA is always going to maintain that certain air of mystery. However, here’s something we really want you to know – we offer amazing career and internship opportunities.
View Event Details for The Truth About NSA: Answers to Your FAQ