General

Category: General

Meet Shoshana: Banding Birds and Breaking Barriers

Shoshana Schmit ’26, Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies
Avian Field Intern (Summer 2025)
Carpenter Nature Center of the St. Croix Valley

Let’s shine the spotlight on Shoshana Schmit ’26, Biology and Environmental Studies major and avian field intern extraordinaire at Carpenter Nature Center of the St. Croix Valley. Ever wondered how it feels to save a hummingbird stuck in a mist net? Shoshanna mastered that intricate task and made it look easy, so easy that a senior volunteer told her, “As far as I know, you can extract any bird!” Can you imagine that boost of confidence? That’s internship magic right there.

But Shoshana’s work didn’t stop at bird banding. Picture her working with animal ambassadors like a red-tailed hawk, applying raptor handling techniques from the classroom to the real world, and welcoming visitors with the perfect blend of education and enthusiasm. Plus, she didn’t leave her classroom knowledge on the shelf: biological stats, chemistry, and wildlife ecology all came to life as she analyzed real research data, preparing to present her findings at a regional conference. Imagine taking your class notes and transforming them into field-tested research that you get to share with the scientific community – nbd, just Lawrentians doing Lawrentian things!

This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Center and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Learn more about funding for internships.

Ilan’s ’17 Eyes on Interviewing

I had the opportunity to interview Ilan Blanck ‘17 about his experience in interviewing. While at Lawrence University, Ilan majored in Guitar Performance and Music Composition, and was a part of several bands on campus. After a few music-related jobs, he found himself at The Music District in Fort Collins, Colorado. Here, Ilan is currently the Artist Development Assistant Manager. After being at this company for a few years, Ilan ended up interviewing his prospective coworkers. Since interviewing can easily be seen as intimidating and confusing, I think it will be beneficial to hear what an experienced interviewer has to say!

The first thing Ilan mentioned was the importance of having a relationship and connection with the industry you’re interviewing for. The Music District is, you guessed it, in the music industry. So, being passionate about listening to or making music is valuable, and visible in an interview. As well, having some kind of experience in your desired field is also important., but it doesn’t necessarily need to be professional. When Ilan was at the Con, he was in several bands, but he also managed them. He helped them book shows and even tours. This was not a job Ilan had, yet it is an incredibly important and relevant experience.

There is a huge emphasis on being knowledgeable about what role you’re interviewing for. If say a biology major who is not a musician and doesn’t really listen to music applied for a job at Spotify, that likely wouldn’t be the best fit right? In the music industry it isn’t uncommon for them to ask you about your favorite artists, especially smaller ones if the job is for local musicians. Ilan said it best when referencing The Music District: “Speak the language of what it means to be an indie artist fluently.”

While this piece of advice may seem basic, it’s true. Stand out! Don’t be generic. While interviewing Mr. Blanck, he recalled a time when he was interviewing someone as a part of a panel. There were maybe ten or so people in the room, all talking to the one individual. As an organization that is built on helping up-and-coming local indie artists, they asked them, “What’s your favorite local band?” The interviewee looked straight at one of the panel members and said that his favorite local band was the one the interviewer was a part of. Either that person did crazy investigative research on who would be interviewing them (not a bad idea either!) or they just had a genuine passion for local music. Years later, the story was memorable enough that Ilan told me about it last week. The more you know about the role you’re being interviewed for, the better. 

Overall, being genuine and yourself is key to interviewing success. Add knowledge and experience to that, and you’ve just become the ideal candidate.

Entry Level Jobs for the GLI Career Community

Graduating with a background in Government, Law, and International Affairs (GLI) opens various doors of possibilities – but figuring out which door to choose can feel overwhelming and confusing. Your time on campus debating about policy issues, discussing global development, leading the Model UN, or the LUCC has already built a foundation of experiences for a meaningful career. Now, let’s discuss what “entry-level” roles look like for GLI students and how to start navigating that first step after graduation. 

Where GLI Graduates Can Go 

Career options in GLI can be broad – and that’s a strength. Many students go on to work in public service, policy research, or international development, but those aren’t the only career options or routes you can take. Here are a few common paths for recent graduates:  

  • Government and Public Policy: As a recent graduate, you can start as legislative aides, policy analysts, or research assistants at the state and federal levels. Other government positions could also include working with city governments or nonpartisan research organizations to better understand policy creation. 
  • Law and Legal Fields: If you are planning to attend law school in the future, working as a paralegal or legal assistant can give you first-hand experience of the legal world while you build your valuable research and case management skills prior to attending law school.  
  • International Relations and Nonprofits: Organizations like the Peace Corps, UN and subsidiaries, AmeriCorps, and other international NGOs also seek graduates with an interest in diplomacy, cultural understanding, and global-problem solving. 
  • Think Tanks and Research Institutes: Entry-level research or project coordinator roles let you apply your analytical and writing skills while contributing to studies on political, social, or economic issues. 

Most of these paths value the same core traits that GLI students should work on, like critical thinking, communication, analytics, and an interest in understanding complex systems – things that a liberal arts education offers you. 

Skills That Set You Apart 

The flexibility that Lawrence students have is the ability and facilitation to connect ideas across disciplines. Employers in government and law highly appreciate candidates who can write clearly, analyse data, and communicate across cultures. If you’ve done a senior project, an internship, taken relevant coursework, or fieldwork abroad during your time at Lawrence, it is worth highlighting.  

Your skills and critical thinking abilities combined set you apart from other candidates and make your application stand out. 

Where to Start Looking 

Finding your first job comes down to using your networks and campus resources. 

Here are a few ideas: 

  • Career Center: The career center is the best resource Lawrence offers you when it comes to job hunting and applications. You can book various appointments that include career advising, writing cover letters and resumes, looking for relevant jobs, etc. You can book appointments with CPEs and Career Advisors via Handshake. 
  • Handshake: Lawrence’s go-to job platform lists numerous opportunities in public policy, international affairs, and legal assistance. 
  • Alumni Connections (Networking):  You can use the Lawrence Alumni network, which has always been incredibly supportive. Reaching out to alumni in government or law can open doors for informational interviews, referrals, or even job leads. 
  • Career Center Events: Always keep an eye out for panels or virtual sessions with GLI alumni or employers. Also, be informed about the regular Career Fairs for GLI, NES, and CJW career communities. These events can help you network and also give insights into the requirements for a job application as you are directly in talks with the employer and industry professionals. 
  • Federal and State Job Boards: Websites like USAJobs.gov or Wisc.Jobs are great starting points for GLI-related roles. 
  • Newsletters: Add yourself to various career communities to get bi-weekly newsletters that include various relevant job postings and career updates. 

Building Early Experience 

It’s never too early to gain relevant experiences when you have the opportunity to do so. Internships with local government offices, research projects with professors, or campus leadership or government roles all build a resume that shows initiative and engagement with public issues. Even volunteering for community organizations can demonstrate a commitment to service and teamwork — qualities employers love. 

Conclusion 

Exploring a career in government, law, or international relations doesn’t mean knowing exactly what you want from the first day. Your success will be defined by your curiosity, flexibility, and positive attitude towards exploring new opportunities. Whether your path leads to Washinton D.C., Madison, or halfway around the world, your time at Lawrence prepares you to think critically and lead with purpose – and that’s what these fields need the most. 

Computer Science major and Data Science & Mathematics minor at Lawrence University, and the President of the Lawrence University Data Science Club. Connect with Sabin on LinkedIn

Exploring Law Degrees Other than and Beyond the JD: Pathways for Students Interested in Law and Justice

Choosing a career connected to the law doesn’t always mean becoming an attorney. There are a wide range of graduate degrees available, some designed for practicing lawyers and others built for professionals who want to understand legal systems without stepping into a courtroom. For students interested in justice, policy, advocacy, or compliance work, these programs can open doors to meaningful careers that don’t require a Juris Doctor (JD).

Below is a guide to the most common law-related graduate degrees other than the JD, as well as some that go beyond the JD, what they offer, and who typically pursues them.

Master of Jurisprudence (MJ or M.Jur.)

Who it’s for:
Students and professionals who want to understand legal issues in their fields but do not want to become licensed attorneys.

What you’ll learn:
MJ programs introduce the fundamentals of legal reasoning, regulatory systems, and core areas of law. Students may pursue concentrations such as:

  • Employment and labor law
  • Corporate compliance
  • Health law
  • Education law
  • Criminal justice policy

Career impact:
Graduates often work in HR, healthcare administration, government agencies, school districts, or compliance-focused roles where understanding the law leads to better decisions and stronger leadership.

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

Who it’s for:
Non-lawyers seeking a solid grounding in legal concepts relevant to their professions.

What you’ll learn:
The MLS/MSL covers foundational legal subjects—contracts, regulations, ethics, administrative law, and legal writing—without the professional obligations of a JD. Many programs offer flexible formats and specialized tracks such as:

  • Public policy
  • Environmental regulation
  • Cybersecurity and privacy
  • Social justice
  • Intellectual property concepts for non-lawyers

Career impact:
Professionals in business, nonprofits, government, education, and technology use the MLS/MSL to improve their ability to interpret laws, collaborate with attorneys, and navigate complex regulatory environments.

Master of Laws (LLM)

Who it’s for:
Lawyers who already hold a JD

What you’ll learn:
An LLM provides advanced training in a specialized legal area. Popular options include:

  • Environmental or natural resources law
  • Human rights and humanitarian law
  • International business law
  • Intellectual property and technology law
  • Taxation

Career impact:
LLM graduates deepen their expertise, expand their career options, and meet eligibility requirements for certain U.S. bar exams.

Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD or SJD)

Who it’s for:
Existing lawyers seeking the highest academic credential in law, similar to a PhD.

What you’ll learn:
JSD/SJD students conduct original, in-depth legal research and produce a dissertation. Programs often include teaching opportunities and close mentoring from faculty scholars.

Career impact:
Graduates often become university professors, legal researchers, policy analysts, or advisors in government agencies, think tanks, and NGOs.

Doctor of Juridical Studies (JJD)

Who it’s for:
Lawyers pursuing a terminal research doctorate in law.

What you’ll learn:
Available at only a few institutions, the JJD mirrors the JSD/SJD format—advanced coursework, rigorous research, and a dissertation focused on complex legal issues.

Career impact:
Ideal for those interested in academic careers, public policy leadership, or high-level legal research.

Which Degree Is Right for You?

If you’re curious about law but unsure whether law school is the right path, degrees like the MJ and MLS offer legal literacy without requiring bar licensure. Students planning to become attorneys may gravitate toward advanced programs like the LLM, JSD/SJD or JJD.

Each program supports different goals, from strengthening your career in compliance or public policy to preparing for global practice or academic research. Thinking about a future related to law, justice, or policy—even if you’re not planning to become a lawyer—opens up a world of possibilities.

Your Language Degree: Passport to entry-level jobs and a Career

You’ve made the decision to study a language!  Whether it’s English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian, you are on your way to developing valuable skills like strong communication, cultural understanding, and critical thinking. While it might not seem obvious, many entry-level jobs right out of college want those exact skills, even if they don’t seem like “language jobs.”

Here are some great entry-level roles that require little to no experience beyond your college degree, where your language skills can give you a big advantage!

Jobs Where Language is a Major Asset

These roles often specifically look for people who can speak and understand a second language.

Bilingual Customer Service Representative

  • What you do: You help customers with their questions or problems over the phone, email, or chat, using your second language (like Spanish, Chinese, or Russian) for customers who don’t speak English well.

Why you fit

  • Companies with international clients need you to be the friendly voice that can understand and solve issues for everyone.

Experience to get in college

  • Look for on-campus jobs or part-time work in call centers, retail, or hospitality where you can use your language skills to help people.


Translator or Transcriber

  • What you do: You convert written text (like documents, websites, or articles) from one language to another, making sure the meaning and tone are just right. A transcriber converts audio into written text.

Why you fit

  • You’ve spent years perfecting your understanding of two languages and their cultures.

Experience to get in college

  • Offer to translate or transcribe for professors, student organizations, or local non-profits. Consider using freelance websites to take on small translation gigs.

Foreign Language Teacher/Tutor

What you do

  • You teach your major language (like French or Japanese) to students in a school or through private lessons.

Why you fit

  • Your passion for the language and deep knowledge of grammar and culture make you a natural teacher.

Experience to get in college

  • Volunteer as a tutor at a campus resource center, or lead informal language practice groups.

Jobs That Need Strong Writing and Communication

These roles value the excellent communication, writing, and research skills you developed while studying literature and language. Your foreign language degree is a bonus that can set you apart!

Content Writer / Copywriter

What you do

  • You create written material (called “content” or “copy”) for a company, such as blog posts, website text, social media updates, or advertisements.

Why you fit

  • Your language major taught you how to write clearly, persuade people, and match your writing style to any audience.

Experience to get in college

  • Write for the school newspaper, campus magazine, or a club’s newsletter. Start a personal blog or create content for a local business’s social media.

Editorial or Publishing Assistant

What you do

  • You support a book or magazine editor by reading manuscripts, checking facts, proofreading, and organizing projects.

Why you fit

  • You have a keen eye for detail, grammar, and structure—skills essential for quality writing and publishing.

Experience to get in college

  • Work for the school newspaper. Get an internship at a publishing company.

Marketing or Communications Assistant

What you do

  • You help manage how a company talks to the public and its customers. This could include drafting press releases, helping with email campaigns, or updating company social media.

Why you fit

  • Your understanding of how language works, plus your ability to think about different cultures, is perfect for connecting with diverse markets.

Experience to get in college

  • Get an internship in a company’s marketing or public relations department, or manage communications for a large student organization.

The Skills That Matters Most

Remember, your degree is more than just a piece of paper. You’ve proven you can:

1) Analyze and Interpret: Break down complex texts, ideas, or spoken words.

2) Communicate Effectively: Write and speak clearly to different people.

3) Adapt and Learn: Pick up new concepts (or languages!) quickly.

These transferable skills are what employers truly want!

Bryan Haddad Zamorano: Fieldwork, Growth, and Environmental Purpose

Bryan Haddad Zamorano ’26, Majors: Environmental Studies & Music
 Seasonal Conservation Technician (Summer 2025)
 Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin / Zoological Society of Milwaukee

Bryan spent his summer on a conservation mission that most people will never experience, helping protect one of the world’s rarest butterflies, the Poweshiek Skipperling. What started with uncertainty and self-doubt turned into a field-season full of discovery, confidence, and purpose.

Working with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee through NRF’s DICI program, Bryan surveyed fragile prairie habitats, learned professional wildlife monitoring techniques, and helped process real conservation data used by researchers fighting to save an endangered species. His days ranged from carefully navigating tall grass in search of tiny pollinators to long, focused hours identifying and organizing species photos, a real balance of field adventure and scientific precision.

Just as meaningful were the connections he built. Weekly NRF programming connected Bryan with conservation professionals and interns of colour who helped him see a place for himself in the field. That support, and seeing people like him leading conservation efforts, shifted his sense of what’s possible.

This experience didn’t just grow Bryan’s skills; it reshaped his direction. Inspired by the blend of ecology and community impact he witnessed, he shifted his path to Environmental Studies and Music, determined to use creativity and storytelling to bring more voices into environmental conversations.

Bryan leaves this internship not only with field experience, but with clarity, confidence, and a renewed belief in where he belongs.

This internship was made possible through generous donor funding, which supports students in gaining real-world experience without the stress of balancing summer expenses. Hoping to intern next summer? Schedule an appointment at the Career Centre and we can help you! The summer internship funding application will open in early January, after we get back from break. Learn more about funding for internships.