Careers in public policy | Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Careers in public policy

Shape the policy decisions that affect neighborhoods, countries, and people around the globe. We'll help you get there.
Read our stories

Ford School graduates lead influential careers in public policy, succeeding in local, state, and federal government agencies, leading nonprofits, driving policy changes, innovating in the private sector, holding political office, and advocating passionately for issues they care about.

Imagine yourself advising policymakers, holding pivotal roles in government, or directing change-making organizations. The possibilities are endless, and the Ford School is committed to guiding you every step of the way. Career Services, with a dedicated office at the Ford School, offers comprehensive support and resources tailored to your ambitions, helping you secure rewarding internships and exciting career opportunities.

Top-ranked for 1:1 individual career support

Our dedicated Career Services team provides personalized guidance to help you navigate your unique career path with one-on-one support. This individualized approach ensures you receive the connections and insights you need to achieve your professional goals. Here’s how we stand out:

Extensive employer network

250+

direct employers partnerships

ASPIA Internship funding program

#1

100% of MPPs have access to internship funding support

Global reach

21

In the past 5 years, our grads launched careers in 32 states and 21 countries

The balance between peer feedback and advice from career services made the experience especially valuable. I felt more accountable on the job hunt, and reassured that I was not alone in the nebulous process of job searching."

Alex Maranville (MPP '20) on the value of job search groups
Alumni network

A growing and powerful network

Our alumni are active and engaged.
First sector internships

MPP/MPA jobs

There are many paths to policy impact.
Internship sectors

Internships

MPP students take internships around the world.

 

 

Explore where a Ford School degree can take you

Be inspired by the stories of our alumni who are making a difference in the world. Discover how their Ford School education helped them achieve their career goals and impact their communities.

Institute for Defense Analyses

Claudia Muñoz (MPP ‘09) improves U.S. defense and security

Muñoz points to the quantitative, writing, and technical skills she learned at the Ford School for keeping her adaptable in a changing political environment. She recognizes the continued dynamism of students coming out of the Ford School and has recruited several graduates to work with her.
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Children Now

Lishaun Francis (MPP ‘09) advances child advocacy and California's youth policy

Whether working in or outside of government agencies, Francis knows how to effectively frame how people think about a topic or an issue—a skill she learned at the Ford School.
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findhelp

Geoff Gamm (BA ‘18) shapes social care policy through technology

After focusing on health care policy at Ford, Gamm translated that to his current position with a startup called findhelp, a network that connects millions of people in need to social programs that serve them, with dignity and ease.
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Student opportunities lead to incredible learning

Skills development

Cultivating Practical Experience

Engage in hands-on policy experiences through simulations, international travel, competitions, internships, and more.
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Skills development

Building Future Leaders

Cultivate leadership qualities with the Ford School to succeed in diverse professional environments.
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Skills development

Showcasing Policy Impact

Present internship experiences by highlighting policy engagement, skills acquired, and career takeaways as the new academic year begins.
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Want to engage with our students?

Finding the right talent is crucial for your mission. The Ford School's career services team connects you with candidates who offer expertise, creativity, and a commitment to the public good. From job listings to on-campus interviews, we ensure a seamless and effective recruitment process.

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