Careers in Public Administration, Government, and Law
Public administrators, government officials, and legal practitioners play a critical role in shaping the policies and systems that affect communities and societies. This work is essential to promoting effective governance, advancing equity, and addressing complex public challenges at the local, state, and federal levels. These efforts take place across a wide range of settings, including government agencies, non-profit and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public policy and public affairs, healthcare, education, public service, and international and development organizations. Careers in these fields are diverse and interdisciplinary, encompassing roles in policy analysis, program management, advocacy, regulatory affairs, research, politics, and leadership. The strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills emphasized in these areas also provide a solid foundation for law and advanced legal study.
What Can I Do With a Public Administration, Government, or Law Career?
There are a wide variety of career options available to those pursuing Public Administration, Government, or Law. Focus areas include but are not limited to:
Public Administration
Public administrators implement and manage government policies and programs, overseeing public services, budgets, and operations to ensure laws and initiatives are carried out effectively and serve the public interest.
- Explore: Public Administration – What Can I Do With This Major
- Sample Roles: Administrative Services Managers, Public Relations Managers, Budget Analysts, Political Scientists/Policy Analysts, Political Scientists
Government
Government officials serve the public by developing, implementing, or supporting policies and programs that address community needs and uphold the laws and responsibilities of the state.
- Explore: Political Science and Government – What Can I Do With This Major
- Sample Roles: Legislators, Management Analysts, Regulatory Affairs Specialists, Compliance Officers
Law
Legal professionals interpret, apply, and uphold legal rules and principles to protect rights, resolve disputes, and ensure justice within society. There are many specialized practice areas. Keep in mind that a law degree opens up diverse opportunities beyond traditional legal practice.
- Explore: Law – What Can I Do With This Major
- Sample Roles: Lawyers, Judicial Law Clerks, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates, Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Consider BSU’s 3+3 Law Degree: BSU/UMass Law Accelerated 3 + 3 Program | Bridgewater State University
Gaining Experience in Public Administration, Government, and Law
Internships, networking, and experiential learning are critical for those aspiring to a profession in these fields. This experience can be acquired in a multitude of ways both at Bridgewater State University and beyond. Some opportunities include:
- BSU’s Democratic Governance & Leadership Program (DGLP)
- The Washington Center Academic Internship Program
- Federal Internships & Fellowships*:
*Keep in mind that federal opportunities require special documentation formatting. Check out Federal Resume tips on USAJobs.gov for more information, or book an appointment with a career advisor.
- State & Local Government Internship Programs
- Judicial Internships (local, state, or federal courts)
- Legal Intern or Law Clerk Internships
- Public Interest or Legal Aid Internships
- Non-Profit Internships
- Public Policy Internships (such as Internships | Brookings or Careers: Summer@Urban | Urban Institute)
- Volunteer
- 3+3 program with UMass Law to earn an accelerated JD: BSU/UMass Law Accelerated 3 + 3 Program | Bridgewater State University
