Referring to the U.S. government includes all federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. The government is a sector, not just an industry, with numerous existing employment opportunities in the private or nonprofit sectors.
Interested in contributing to research and crafting legislation? Explore options within the legislative branch. Looking to contribute to environmental or education initiatives? Explore options within the executive agencies and departments. Have a desire to contribute to government policy and functions beyond the scope of direct government hiring? Explore the possibilities of lobbying, public service consulting, and think tanks.
Government entities at all levels need to hire for a multitude of job functional roles, including engineers, urban planners, researchers, scientists, budget analysts, public affairs and communication staff, accountants, technology specialists, physicians, attorneys, administrative support, and more. The array of agencies and departments in the U.S. and state governments provide ample opportunity for those who are interested in public service work.
There are many entry points into government careers, including through government-related, or government-funded, programs and fellowships. While enrolled as a Yale student, access the Yale Student Grants & Fellowships page to search for Yale-funded opportunities specifically for public service opportunities. Create a profile in ProFellow to find fellowships to fund educational pursuits, go abroad, conduct research, or discover employment opportunities. Consider pursuing nationally-competitive Fellowships:
Some competitions require university endorsements. Visit the Yale Fellowships Office for an extensive collection of public-service related national fellowship award programs.
The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the United States abroad. The U.S. Department of State offers worldwide career opportunities in international public service. U.S. Foreign Service Officers represent the United States in diplomatic and ambassadorial roles, connect with the global community, and explore different cultures while living overseas.
Application Process and Guidance: 8 Steps to Becoming a Foreign Service Officer, Foreign Service Officer: 13 Dimensions
Fellowship Programs: Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship, Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship
FSO Compass provides courses, trainings, and resources to prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test.
The U.S. Military consists of six branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force. Additionally, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are reserve components of their services and operate in part under state authority. Visit the Department of Defense website to learn details of each branch and reserve unit.
Colleges and Universities nationwide offer the Reserve Officer Training Corps, which pay for students’ tuition and prepares them to be military officers. In return, students commit to serving in the military afterward. Yale ROTC provides details for the Yale Air Force, Army, and Naval ROTC programs.
Political campaign work offers the opportunity to develop professional skills in a flexible, fast-paced, and fluid environment. Those who work on political campaigns can gain knowledge of policy issues, the electoral process, how campaign management and funding works, and the overarching concerns of the American populace.
The Campaign School at Yale University offers many events and programs throughout the year to train underrepresented individuals as they pursue elected and appointed political positions.
The basic requirement often needed for roles within this career path include obtaining a graduate degree in this field. However, students can first pursue opportunities at organizations that handle conflict to show future employers interest in this career path, and frame their research pursuits around topics relating to conflict, or conflict-ridden regions of the world, to work toward becoming subject-matter or area experts. Below are recommended readings and resources:
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Are you considering what to do after graduation, or what direction to take your career next?
National service can be an incredible way to gain experience, skills, and get your foot in the door to launch your social impact career. …
Are you in the midst of earning a degree, but unsure about the career direction you want to take after graduation? Or are you looking to make a change from your current day-to-day? Then a national service year might be …
