Law, Government, Military Service

A career in law can cross many fields including business, government, technology, human and civil rights, international relations, medicine, law enforcement, politics, entertainment, sports and the arts, as well as jurisprudence and academia. Those interested in the structure and function of government often find themselves in the legislative branch, helping to research and craft legislation that eventually may become law. Others may prefer to explore civil service paths in executive agencies and departments. The Harvard Veterans Alumni Organization is an excellent resource for students exploring military options. The organization can help to connect students thinking about military service with veterans from across Harvard University.

Finding Internships

Finding an internship within a federal government agency or affiliate can require a variety of approaches. Look for opportunities through the Pathways Program on USAJobs.gov. These internship opportunities are paid, and can be a helpful way to gain experience and a more in-depth understanding of how the federal government operates. Harvard also has many excellent resources for students interested in pursuing government internships, including the Institute of Politics (IOP). For state and local government opportunities, visit the respective city or state government website to search for the staffing or human resources link and use their job search resource. GovEngine.com aggregates links to various federal, state, and local governments, including court systems.

Finding Jobs

For full-time opportunities in the 300 plus agencies of the federal government, one approach is the Recent Graduates Program, part of the Pathways Program on USAJobs.gov. The program is generally one-year and includes training, development, and mentorship. There are several other tools and offices to help students navigate USAJobs (and the government job search) including the Partnership for Public Service, GoGovernment, and Harvard’s Institute of Politics (IOP). In addition, the A to Z list of Federal Agencies  can be helpful in contacting offices directly. For State and local government opportunities, GovEngine.com aggregates links to various federal, state, and local governments, including court systems.

Graduate and Professional Programs

To practice law in the U.S., you must graduate from law school and pass the bar exam. Graduate education is also typically necessary for advancement within government and international relations. For advanced positions in government agencies, a professional master’s degree is the most common credential. Many universities offer graduate degrees in public policy (M.P.P.) or public administration (M.P.A), or a master’s level degree in government, political science, or international relations. Depending on the job role or function, other degrees might be required or preferred, including law, business, engineering, or a doctoral degree.

Student Reflection: Navigating Life After Service, A Prague Summer of Reflection and Renewal 

Published on December 10, 2024

Cornelius Hayes ’27, is studying Psychology and resides in Kirkland House.  Before coming to Harvard, he served ten years in the Air Force as part of the Special Operations Forces (SOF). This past summer, he joined Harvard Summer School for …

By Summer Funding
Summer Funding
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Key Takeaways from Law School Night 2024

Published on November 4, 2024

1. For students who are considering law school, are there summer and postgrad experiences you would recommend? How can people test their interest in the law?

Think about what skills you will need to succeed in law school and find …

By Nicole Satyanarayan
Nicole Satyanarayan Assistant Director, Law, Government, Non-Profits, Foundations, and Military Service
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Key Takeaways from the MCS Applying to Law School Webinar

Published on September 20, 2024

This event was co-run by MCS and a House Pre-Law Tutor. They shared tips for students who are considering applying for law school, which have been combined into these main takeaways!

By Sydney Bloch ’25, MCS PAF

By Nicole Satyanarayan
Nicole Satyanarayan Assistant Director, Law, Government, Non-Profits, Foundations, and Military Service
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GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS

Cara Chang ’24

  • Washington DC
  • Intern The White House
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Ebony Smith ’24

  • New York, NY
  • JD Candidate Columbia Law School
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June Park ’24

  • College youth voter turnout organization, then Harvard Law in Fall 2025 Harvard Law
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Shreya Nair ’24

  • JD Candidate, Biotechnology Law, Fulbright Fellowship
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Sama Kubba ’24

  • Washington DC
  • Master's Candidate, International Relations Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
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Artha Jonassaint ’24

  • New Haven, CT
  • JD Candidate Yale Law School
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Ben Freudenberg ’24

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Physical Sciences Trainee Environmental Protection Agency
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Gabriela Wilson ALM, International Relations ’24

  • Virginia
  • PM Department of State
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John Culp ALM, Government ’24

  • Electoral Politics/Public Service
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Ricardo Barrera ALM, Religion ’24

  • Brownsville, TX
  • Owner/Lead Attorney The Barrera Law Firm, PC
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Javier Jimenez ALM, Global Development Practice ’24

  • VP of Government Relations USASOA
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Diana Lee ALM, Psychology ’24

  • Charleston, SC
  • Senior Research Coordinator Special Operations Command
Meet Diana >

Holly McCall ALB ’24

  • Nashville, TN
  • ALM Candidate, Government Harvard Extension School
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Zachary Bohlman ALM, Journalism ’24

  • Lakeville, MN
  • Intelligence Specialist US Navy
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Conor Cunningham Master’s ’24

  • Washington, DC
  • International Program Specialist - Eastern Europe & Central Asia Department of Commerce - Commercial Law Development Program
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Jiheon Choi ’23, MA, Data Science

  • Judge The Supreme Court of Korea
Meet Jiheon Choi >

Nick Kerin ’23, ALM, Government

  • Caucus State Director
Meet Nick Kerin >
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Jinyan Zang, Government

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Tony N. Woolard, ALM Biology

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Bree Koegel, ALB

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Fabiola Irene Rivera Garcia ALM, Government

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Leading in Government

Taught by Adelle Dantzler
Many people feel that leading in government is a puzzle. While it certainly has its challenges, serving the public can…
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Taught by Jonathan Reichental
Today, some of the most exciting, meaningful, impactful, and in-demand IT careers are in helping to make cities work well.…
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