Government

Overview of Government Careers 

Careers in Government focus on providing leadership, public services, national security, economic security, economic assistance, and maintaining order.  Opportunities to serve the public exist at the federal, state, and local levels. 

A Mason alum explains their role as a legislative staffer on Capitol Hill.

Get details on the salary and job security of these Government careers

Learn more about careers in the government

Careers in Government 

Check out these videos to learn about the typical workday and workplace for Government professionals and get tips for success in this industry.

Lobbyists
Foreign Service Officers

Get Career Ready for Government

Find out what it takes to land a career in Government

Career Readiness Equation

Earn a Degree

Earn Degree

To work in the Government field, a foundation in political science, public policy or administration, economics, community health, criminology, or global affairs can be helpful. Check the Mason Catalog for degree requirements.

 

 

 

In addition to your degree, the ability to pass a background investigation and/or security clearance will increase your employment options in the field of government. Join Mason’s Clearance Ready program to learn more.

Federal recruitment programs:

Peace Corps Prep Program

  • The Peace Corps Prep program is open to students from all majors and is designed to help prepare undergraduate students for volunteer service and careers in international development.

Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

  • This program is open to students and recent graduates with a disability looking to gain experience in the federal sector or private sector. For additional information on enrolling in WRP, contact Mason’s Office of Disability Services

Presidential Management Fellows Program

  • This program is open to graduate students and recent graduates with advanced degrees. This two-year program focuses on training and leadership development at a federal government agency.

Pickering Fellowship Program

  • This program prepares outstanding prospective graduate students interested in Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. Includes funding for a 2-year MA program and a domestic and overseas internship.

Rangel Fellowship Program 

  • This program prepares outstanding prospective graduate students for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Includes funding for a 2-year MA program and a Capitol Hill and overseas internship. 

Gain Experiences

Gain Experiences

Employers expect at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at Mason.

 

Here are the types of experiences most valued by Government employers, and where to find them: 

Jobs/Internships

Public Service 

Volunteering can show your commitment to public service and a connection to your community. Identify your area of interest and get involved! 

Study Abroad

  • Studying abroad can be a great way to prepare yourself for a career in Government. Learn to work within other cultures, gain problem-solving and foreign language skills, and grow as an individual. Visit the Global Education Office for additional information. 

Market Yourself

Market Yourself

It is important for you to be able to clearly communicate the knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.

Get ideas on how to showcase your qualifications to government employers from the resume samples below:

Resume

Career Ready

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Career ready Mason grads have gone on to work for Government employers, such as: 

City of Alexandria 

Department of Homeland Security 

National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency 

Defense Intelligence Agency 

Department of State 

Peace Corps 

Department of Defense 

Fairfax County Government 

USAID 

Join the Government community

Get involved with academic and professional societies to grow your network while you're still a student.

Mason Student Organizations 

Professional Associations 

Your career advisor can help you decide where to start.