#GLI

Tag: #GLI

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.

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.

Kaitlin: Overcoming Challenges and Finding New Paths

Kaitlin Buelow ‘26, Majors: German, English Literature

Government Relations Intern

Bread for the World

Kaitlin spent her summer interning at Bread for the World in Washington, D.C., where she encountered both professional and personal challenges. As a newcomer to the world of D.C. advocacy, Kaitlin initially felt disconnected due to her different background from her co-workers and supervisors. Despite the diversity around her, she struggled to find common ground in casual conversations with coworkers. However, when she connected with regional advocacy leaders Florence French and Nicole Schmidt, Kaitlin found a shared passion for fighting hunger that helped her build meaningful relationships.

While working at the D.C. office, Kaitlin began to reflect on her own future and her desire to make an impact. She recognized that being in D.C. wasn’t the only way to help make positive change in the world, nor the place where she’d be most effective in doing so. Instead, she decided to focus on the tangible, local effects of policy on communities like hers back home. This realization led her to pursue Education courses in her final year at Lawrence and work toward her teaching license.

Despite shifting her focus, Kaitlin’s time at Bread for the World was transformative. She improved her writing skills, with a piece published in Bread’s Institute Insights, and worked on her professional communication abilities. Whether working independently or as part of a team, Kaitlin learned to adapt, reconnect after miscommunications, and persevere through challenges. Kaitlin mentioned “My experience at Bread has not simply opened doors to me, but given me the tools to open them for myself.” 

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.

Economics and Business Analytics double major and a Data Science minor at Lawrence University as well as an Event Coordinator at Pan Asian Organization and Social Media Manager at LU Data Science Club. Connect with Nadika in LinkedIn

Meet Inaya: Standing for Immigrant Rights and Gaining Legal Exposure

Inaya Rivera ’28 Majors: Government and Philosophy 

Legal Intern 

Safe Passage Project 

Meet Inaya: Standing for Immigrant Rights and Gaining Legal Exposure 

Inaya Rivera ’28, a Government and Philosophy major, spent her summer as an intern at Safe Passage Project, a non-profit devoted to providing legal support for immigrants and refugee children. During her time at Safe Passage, she dedicated herself for immigration law – helping immigrants with legal forms, visa applications, and serving as a translator for Spanish-speaking people. There, she understood the importance of clear communication and compassion in legal advocacy, handling her cases with care and precision. 

Inaya’s work at Safe Passage was not limited to paperwork. She also experienced firsthand insights into the emotional challenges of immigration hearings, getting the chance to sit in on live court sessions and collaborate with attorneys to prepare clients for their day in court. These experiences gave her a firsthand, practical understanding of the legal system, which polished her ability to handle complex, sensitive situations with professionalism during the internship and for the future. Through this internship, Inaya not only strengthened her legal skills but also found her growing passion for justice, reinforcing her commitment to a career in law and human rights.  

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. 

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

USAJOBS Resume Best Practices (October 2025)


Per the new Federal Merit Hiring Plan, all federal resumes are not to exceed two pages as of October 2025. USAJOBS has created a technical solution that will limit resumes to two pages when submitting applications or using the USAJOBS resume builder. Below are some best practices when navigating these changes and rewriting the federal resume.

Content:
• Prioritize recent work experience that is most relevant to the duties and qualifications listed on the job announcement. “Recent experience” and “relevant experience” are not the same thing. De-prioritize or remove non-relevant and outdated work experience.
• Align any work experience on the resume to qualifications listed on the job announcement.
• Use plain language that is understood by HR specialists and hiring managers. When you apply for a job, an HR Specialist will most likely review your resume first to determine whether you are qualified for the job.
• Use language that is results focused and includes numbers and metrics to quantify your work.
• You can include volunteer work, internships, and other non-paid work; these will still count towards your total years of experience.
• Ask yourself: Can the HR professional reading this, who may not have direct experience in my field, understand my experience in 10-15 seconds?

Formatting:
• USAJOBS recommends using at a minimum of .5 margins, 10-pt size font for main content and 14-pt size for headings.
• Use a font that is easy to read, such as Lato, Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans.
• Uploading a PDF resume is the best practice to maintain formatting and the number of pages, but many file types are accepted.

Make your resume searchable:
• Recruiters may contact people in their database to apply for jobs not posted on USAJOBS or only available at career fairs.
• Resumes can only be searchable for 18 months, and only 1 resume at a time can be searchable.
• Only 1–2-page resumes will be searchable; all resumes that were previously searchable expired in September 2025, so USAJOBS users will need to go back and update the searchable resume.

To learn more about the changes to federal resumes and other hiring considerations in the federal government, USAJOBS and OPM on LinkedIn.