international relations

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 on 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 make 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.