Policy Studies Careers
A Master of Arts in Policy Studies degree leads to career options within public, non-profit, and private sectors. Graduates of the program often become:
- Policy Analysts or Researchers
- Program Managers or Evaluators
- Public Administrators
- Non-profit Executives
- City or Community Planners
- Government Affairs Officers
- Policy Advocates
Other graduates go on to complete further graduate education. The Master of Arts in Policy Studies prepares students for doctoral programs by emphasizing liberal arts skills such as critical thinking, research and analysis, writing and speaking, philosophical and ethical analysis, and historical and cultural understandings.
Read about some of our alumni, where they work now, and how the MA in Policy Studies has contributed to their career success.
Resources for Current Students
The IAS Graduate Office is available to assist students in locating career opportunities related to Policy Studies and their particular areas of interest. To discuss options or schedule an appointment, contact Community Relations Manager Lisa Olason by email or phone: (425) 352-3136.
UW Career Resources
The UW career system offers numerous resources, many of which are graduate-specific:
UW Bothell Career Center - Our campus career center provides a variety of job-search services, including workshops on resume and cover letter writing and interviewing, individual advising sessions, employer information, and career fairs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these free services while enrolled in the program. - Grad Students web page - The UW Seattle Career Center hosts a graduate student webpage featuring a variety of resources for all UW graduate students. Particularly helpful is the Strategies for Success series.
- Grad Student Newsletter - Sign up to receive a monthly newsletter featuring upcoming events and workshops.
- GradStudentJobs listserv - Sign up to receive periodic emails about internships and jobs suited specifically for graduate-level students.
- Simpson Center for the Humanities - Sign up to receive a weekly events email offering a broad range of opportunities to enhance student learning and professional development.
- UW Making the Difference: Careers in Federal Government - This UW blog promotes federal careers and provides resources for students interested in this professional track.
- Husky Jobs - The UW's online job and internship search system - FREE to currently enrolled UW students.
- UW Work Study jobs - All UW Work Study positions may be located through this centralized website. Note: Students must pre-qualify for this type of financial aid.
- Husky Career Network - The UW Alumni Association offers current students complementary access to a searchable nationwide database of alumni volunteers offering networking referrals and information about their field. Husky Career Network lists more than 5,000 graduates who are willing to provide information on their industries, organizations, and job functions, to discuss their own career paths, and to offer suggestions to students and fellow alums considering similar careers or career transitions.
PhD Resources
For those interested in further academic study, these resources address the PhD discernment process and provide advice on searching and applying for doctoral programs:
- Survey on Doctoral Education and Career Preparation – This is a national survey of 4,000 doctoral students intended to provide a snapshot of their experiences and goals, as well as advice for prospective doctoral students.
- "PhD Information Session and Panel Discussion" – IAS Graduate Programs hosted this event in 2010. A DVD recording is available in the Graduate Office for check out. To reserve a copy of the DVD, contact Lisa.
Resources for Policy Studies Alumni
The UW Bothell Career Center offers a variety of services to help alumni explore options, build skills, and connect with employers. Throughout the academic year, the UW Bothell Career Center and UW Seattle Career Center offer numerous workshops and events to support alumni in their career journeys. The majority of services are available to alumni free of charge - including access to HuskyJobs, the UW's online job and internship database. Free career counseling appointments are available to new alumni for one quarter post-graduation. After this period, there is a nominal fee for career counseling appointments.
Policy Studies alumni may join The UW Alumni Association to access a variety of career support options, including Husky Career Network, a searchable nationwide database of alumni volunteers offering networking referrals and information about their field.
Community Resources
The following community-based resources are recommended as starting points for career discernment, professional development, networking, and job opportunties: