Government
The government offers a diverse array of opportunities across numerous departments and agencies. Whether you have a passion for public service, a desire to make a difference in people's lives, or an interest in shaping national policies, a career in the Federal Government can be a fulfilling and enriching path to pursue. Federal Government careers are extremely mission-driven and offer the chance to make a difference in your area of interest.
Another avenue to be involved in government work at the state level. State employees focus on the matters that the state has jurisdiction over, for example education, transportation, public safety, and state-specific laws and regulations. There are differences in applying for state level positions so as you explore the opportunities in public service, consider all opportunities.
If you decide applying for government is for you, make an appointment with the Career Center early. Timelines for applying to government jobs are long, sometimes as long as one year from applying to receiving an offer. The sooner you speak with a career consultant the better! Even if you aren’t sure yet, explore options with the Careers for the Common Good consultant, see contact information at the bottom of this page.
EXPLORE CAREERS
Once misconception of government work is that you must work in Washington D.C. and have an interest in politics. There are roles for all types of interests, including STEM roles, business roles, arts and creative roles, and social science roles, just to name a few. Below is a quick introduction into types of careers in the Federal Government, but it does not encompass all sectors and agencies. As you consider government work, check out Go Government, a very comprehensive resource that can introduce you to government careers.
Public Policy
Public policy careers can involve data analysis, evaluating existing policies and programs, and creating new policies to address social, economic, and political issues. Some government agency examples for this area can include the Department of State, the Department of Justice, or the Department of Labor.
Intelligence
Careers in intelligence offer opportunities for those interested in national security, analysis, and protecting the country from potential threats. Intelligence agencies work to gather, analyze, and disseminate information to support decision-making at various levels of government. Roles in intelligence exist in the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Intelligence Agency, and various branches of the military.
Finance & Economics
Economists, financial analysts, and accountants are necessary to manage the U.S. Government’s budgets and ensure financial stability in a wide variety of agencies. Although roles in Finance exist in every agency of government, some examples of agencies that work closely with financial matters include the Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service.
International Affairs & Foreign Service
The Department of State is the responsible Federal Executive Department for the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Roles can include diplomats, foreign service officers, and international relations specialists. There are a variety of entry points for foreign service work, including two key programs, the Pickering Foreign Affairs Program and the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program. There are also roles that focus more on humanitarian aid and international development through the United States Agency for International Development.
Healthcare & Public Health
Government health agencies offer careers for medical professionals, nurses, public health specialists, epidemiologists, and researchers, working to improve public health outcomes and healthcare services. Health agencies include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the Food and Drug Administration. To learn about a variety of healthcare careers outside of government, check out the healthcare industry page.
Education
Working in the education sector of government involves direct educator roles but also educational policy work. Educational governance in the U.S. operates through a combination of federal and state-level systems. There are a variety of roles in the Department of Education, but also extensive roles at the state level in both k-12 and higher education capacities. To learn more about education careers, check out the education page.
Environmental & Natural Resources
Roles in environmental work in the government protect natural resources, implement environmental policies, and address climate change concerns. Roles at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior (which includes the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and more), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Energy. The government tasks scientists to conduct research, gather data, and analyze the impact of human activities on natural resources. To learn more about environmental science careers, check out the environmental science page.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
There are endless resources for government careers and many ways to find them. Below there are resources for internships, full time jobs, and other programs as a path into government. It may feel overwhelming to approach this list. Start with an open mind about what types of programs you expect to be interested in. Know that there are many routes and it’s never too late to consider a career in government.
- Defense Intelligence Agency Internship
- Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis Internships
- Department of State Internship Program
- Environmental Protection Agency Internships
- Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities National Internship Program (for all students regardless of identity)
- House of Representatives Internships
- Federal Judicial Center Internships
- Federal Internship Portal
- National Geospatial Intelligence Agency internship
- National Security Agency Internship
- Office of Personnel Management Internship Program
- Representative for Colorado's 1st District Diana DeGette's Internship Program
- Space Force Internship
- Supreme Court Internship
- The Washington Center
- United Nations Internship Program
- U.S. Senator for Colorado Michael Bennet's Internship Program
- Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Jobs
- Daybook
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Jobs
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Jobs
- Federal Internship Portal
- Government Jobs
- Library of Congress
- Pathways for Students and Recent Graduates to Federal Careers
- Tom Manatos Jobs List
- USAJOBS.gov
- U.S. Courts Careers
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- U.S. Department of State
- AmeriCorps VISTA
- The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
- Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
- Coro Fellowships
- Defense Language and National Security Education Office Boren Awards
- Fulbright Program
- National Security Education Program
- Peace Corps
- Presidential Management Fellows Program
- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fellowships and Scholarships
DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST
There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and offf campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.
- Join on-campus clubs that relate to your government interests and the skills you will need to be successful in a government career. Some examples include BreakOut, CC Students for Justice in Palestine, Colorado College Democrats, Colorado College Injustice Watch, Colorado College Mock Trial, Democratic Dialogue Project, and Sunrise Movement Colorado Springs.
- Join the Colorado College Student Government Association. No matter your level of involvement or role title, getting involved in your community’s governing system will provide opportunities for professional development.
- Join the Speech and Debate Program at Colorado College.
- Check out relevant academic departments, but also know that your major will not limit your opportunities in government. Some programs on campus to begin with include Political Science, International Political Economy, Anthropology, Sociology, Classics-History-Politics, or History (Political Science Concentration).
- Consider taking additional courses in languages or technology to add proficiency in these skills to your resume. Government looks for unique skills that candidates bring, such as languages, software skills, or specialized certifications and training completion. Look into the agencies you are interested in and what types of specialized skills they prioritize in looking for candidates.
- If you are interested in a graduate education in political science, explore opportunities early that may assist in funding your graduate education. Some options include the Harry Truman Scholarship, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program and the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program. Ensure you meet the academic requirements for these competitive programs through your Colorado College experience and meet early with the Career Center.
- Check out the resources from the Partnership for Public Service on their website, Go Government. They offer a career quiz, career guides, and helpful tips for navigating USAjobs and the application process.
- If you are thinking about a career in intelligence, check out the U.S. Intelligence Community’s job exploration tool.
- Frequently visit the USAjobs Events page. Join a session on federal resumes from the Office of Personnel Management or another general getting started session. Additionally, many agencies offer their own virtual sessions and hiring fairs.
- The Peace Corps Prep Certificate offered through Colorado College is a way of bolstering your resume for Peace Corps or other international opportunities. The certificate will help you identify your areas of global focus and map your Colorado College experience to be competitive when applying to the Peace Corps.
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CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE
For advice on using USAjobs, go straight to the source. Check out these articles from USAjobs with advice on creating your federal resume:
- How to create a resume
- What should I include in my federal resume?
- What should I leave out of my resume?
- How to supply work experience
Additional Resources:
- The American Political Science Association (APSA) is the leading academic association of political scientists in the United States.
- The U.S. Census Bureau provides data of great interest to some political scientists.
- There are some excellent third-party programs with a mission to provide pathways to Congressional internships for various identity groups. A few Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and College to Congress.
- A few DEI professional associations: Blacks in Government, Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE), Federally Employed Women (FEW), and Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE)
Questions? Reach out!
