Government, politics, and public service careers focus on governance, national security, Foreign Service, planning, regulation, and administration at the local, state, and federal levels. The positions in this field enforce and determine policy through political systems and institutions, ensuring that fundamental rights are universally guaranteed.
Career Guide
Designing your major
Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to government, politics, and public service, including:
- History
- International Studies
- Political Science
- American Studies
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Environmental Management
- Healthcare Management and Policy
- Law, Ethics, and Decision-Making (co-major)
- Liberal Arts and Management Program
- Policy Analysis
- Public Policy Analysis
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership
- Public Financial Management
Learn about careers in the field
- Historian
- Campaign Manager
- Lobbyist
- Policy Analyst
- Congressional Assistant
- Urban and Regional Planner
- City Council Member
- Commissioner
- Foreign Service Officer
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Judge
- Archivist
- Curator
- Legislator
- City Manager
- Economic Developer
- Zoning Director
- Paralegal
- Fund Raising Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
Learn through experience
Join a student organization
Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:
- College Democrats at Indiana University
- College Republicans at Indiana University
- Public Interest Law Foundation
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs Undergraduate Student Organization
- International Public Affairs Association at Indiana University
- Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Group at Indiana University
- Indiana Model United Nations
- Political Science Club
- Campus Action For Democracy
- Criminal Justice Student Association
- Indiana University Student Government
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?
- American Red Cross Monroe County Chapter
- Bloomington Volunteer Network
- Bloomington Worldwide Friendship
- City of Bloomington Volunteer Network
- Nonprofit Alliance of Monroe County
Get an expert's perspective
Interested in graduate school?
In this field, some common graduate school programs may include environmental management, international studies, public finance, political science, and many more!
Keep exploring
There are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.