Explore a career in Policy, Advocacy & Lobbying.
Positions in these fields may involve influencing or writing policy on a domestic or international level. Opportunities are available in the private sector (i.e., government relations offices, lobbying, or political consulting firms) or within government, politics, or non-profit organizations.
Many think tanks and research centers are also involved in researching and presenting information on policies or current issues that may impact policy. Non-profits may include those organizations that serve as advocates or lobbyists for a certain population segment or cause. Advocacy work champions a cause or policy. Lobbying is a form of advocacy but focuses more on influencing the decision made in government.
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General Desired Skills
- Communication
- Analytical
- Research
- Language (in some cases)
- Writing
- Subject matter expertise (in some cases)
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Sample Job Titles
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Sample Employers
- Global Health Corps
- Clean Water Action
- Capitol Group, LLC
- Department of Energy and Environment
- American Enterprise Institute
- Capitol Group, LLC
- Burson-Marsteller
- Edelman
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Application Timeline
For current students and new graduates—The Pathways Program is an entry point into the federal government. Many federal internships will open their applications approximately six months before the start date. For information on the internship application process, see the US Office of Personnel Management internship page. For full-time positions, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s recent graduates page.
Non-government positions—The process for summer internships and full-time opportunities takes place in the fall semester. Many applications for fellowships, internships and volunteer positions are due in January. Other full-time opportunities are filled as needed on a continuous basis.
By Jaxx Artz
If you’re applying to multiple jobs in the social-impact sector, you may be tempted to use the same cover letter in all of your applications, even when the organizations have different focus areas. While it can seem …
