Q: How do I find an internship?
A: For both grads and undergrads, they can start with the opportunities posted on the Hub. These have been vetted by me and are legitimate opportunities with real organizations. Grads can generally choose anything that supports their interests. We have to be a bit stricter with undergrads as they need to find internships that give them substantive policy exposure, not just busy tasks. Always send them to read this document and suggest that they connect with the Career Director. Students should also connect with alumni to do informational interviews which will help them learn more about organizations and roles.

Q: How do I get credit for an internship?
A: The answer for grads is found on the course page for PA 827. The answer for undergrads is a bit more complicated but is spelled out here. Bottom line, have both get in touch with the Career Director as soon as possible.

Q: Do you or your colleagues have a research/teaching/project assistant position open?
A: If you do or know of one, great! Proceed as you see fit. Otherwise, you can refer them back to the Hub, the Student Job Board, the Graduate Advisor, or the Career Director for assistance.

Q: It’s unlikely they’ll ask you, but if anyone asks about AI policy at UW
A: Click here

Q: I’ve heard the job market is bad right now….Is getting a degree in public policy still a viable option?
A: Acknowledge the validity of your student’s concern while helping them understand that workforce demands vary over time and across sectors of the economy. The knowledge and skills they will gain in their classes and through co-curricular activities (internships, research, student organizations) will prepare them well even when the field is more competitive. They can learn about the economic outlook in various states here. Students can talk to alumni (find them here and here or by emailing the Career Director) to learn about career paths and professional experiences. Start them with our Policy Career Path pages to learn more about the various areas where our alumni have found employment. If you are working with undergrads, this site is also helpful.

Q: Where do LFS students go after they graduate?
A: Because the undergraduate major has just started, we do not have specific data on that at this time. However, to share where our graduate students have gone click here. A public dashboard of UW undergraduate outcomes can be found here and can be sorted by a variety of metrics.

Q: Will I have to go to grad school to get a good job in policy?
A: Obviously use your judgement in answering this question, but this resource may help keep things neutral: Considering a graduate degree in policy?

Q: Can you write me a letter of recommendation for this job/grad school application?
A: This article will help you write one

Q: General questions about attending graduate school/grad school search
A: This page will get them started

Q: What if I don’t have professional clothes for an interview/internship/networking event/job?
A: SuccessWorks’ Career Closet has them covered!

Have a question you don’t see here? Let me know!