Public Service, Law + International Relations

This Career Community is intended for students interested in fields within Social Services, Public Service, Government, Law, Criminal Justice or International work. Explore the Public Service, Law + International Relations Career Community!

Below are resources by major. Also make sure to scroll further to view jobs/internship highlights, events, resources, career videos, news and more.

When you are ready to engage with the McCafferty Career Center, click on your Career Advisor’s information to the right and make an appointment!

REMINDER: CCJ Majors are required to have their internship approved by their academic department. Not all internships will be approved. Reach out directly to the department for more information.

Explore the options and ways to frame your exploration:

Law enforcement, courts, or corrections (prisons, jails, alternatives)

Work with victims, offenders, community members, schools

Crime prevention, intervention, or restorative non-profit organizations

Community based organizations, city programs, state programs, federal programs

Sample Job Titles:  

Corrections Officer: Responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a correctional facility.

Probation Officer: Works with individuals who have been placed on probation instead of being incarcerated, monitoring their compliance with court-ordered conditions.

Police Officer/ Law Enforcement Officer: Patrols assigned areas to maintain public safety, respond to emergency calls, conduct investigations, and enforce laws.

Security Officer: Guards property against theft, vandalism, terrorism, and illegal activities. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or public facilities.

Crime Scene Technician: Collects and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes, including fingerprints, DNA samples, and trace evidence, to assist in criminal investigations.

Victim Advocate: Provides support, information, and assistance to victims of crime, helping them navigate the criminal justice system and access resources for recovery.

Juvenile Case Manager: Works with young offenders who have been involved in the criminal justice system, providing guidance, supervision, and support to help them rehabilitate and avoid future criminal behavior.

Forensic Science Technician: Collects, preserves, and analyzes physical evidence from crime scenes using scientific methods to assist in criminal investigations.

Court Clerk: Assists judges, attorneys, and other court personnel with administrative tasks, including maintaining court records, scheduling hearings, and processing legal documents.

Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Assists lawyers with legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for trials or hearings in both criminal and civil cases.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other entry-level positions available in the Criminology and Criminal Justice industry, depending on your interests and career goals.

Sample Job Titles: Research Assistant, Social Studies Middle School Teacher, Development Associate, Legal Assistant, College Advisor, Director of Communications and Constituent Services, Outreach Coordinator, Donor Relations Assistant, Tutor, Travel Support Specialist, History Teacher/Professor, Theology Professor, Park Guide, Park Ranger, Special Ed Coordinator, History Dept Chair, Field Organizer, Program Assistant, Book Reviewer, Universal Operations Specialist, Nuclear Engineer, Youth Services Librarian, Project Manager

Sample Job Sites: Paul Revere House, Old South Meeting House, Old North Church, Old South Church, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Museum of African American History, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Salem Wax Museum & Witch Village, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, USS Constitution Museum, National Park Service: Longfellow House, Massachusetts Commonwealth Museum, John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Library – Leventhal Map & Education Center, Massachusetts Historical Society & Archives, Mayflower Society House & Library, Museum of Fine Arts, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Harvard Art Museums, MassArt Museum of Contemporary Art, Peabody Essex Museum, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Boston Children’s Museum, Harvard Institute of Herbaria, Arnold Arboretum of Harvard, Custom House Maritime Museum, HaverHill Public Schools

Sample Job Titles: English Language Assistant, Interpreter, Translator,

Sample Job Sites: Academie de Versailles, Bilingual Genius Academy, Creative Associates International

These are just a few examples of entry-level jobs available to political science majors. The field is broad, and opportunities exist in various sectors, including government, nonprofits, academia, and the private sector.

Networking, internships, and gaining relevant experience through extracurricular activities can all be valuable for securing entry-level positions in the field.

Legislative Aide/Assistant: Working for a local, state, or federal legislator, legislative aides assist with research, constituent communications, and administrative tasks related to the legislative process.

Campaign Staff: Political campaigns at all levels hire staff for various roles such as field organizers, communications assistants, and fundraising associates. These positions involve tasks like voter outreach, event planning, and data management.

Policy Analyst/Researcher: Entry-level positions in think tanks, advocacy organizations, or government agencies involve conducting research on policy issues, analyzing legislation, and writing reports or briefs.

Government: Government agencies, including at the local, state, or federal levels

Nonprofit Organizations: Many nonprofits focus on issues related to public policy, social justice, and community development. Entry-level roles may include program assistant, research associate, or advocacy coordinator.

Public Relations/Communications Assistant: Political science majors with strong communication skills can pursue entry-level positions in public relations firms, media outlets, or government agencies, assisting with writing press releases, media monitoring, and social media management.

Legal Assistant/Paralegal: While not directly related to politics, legal assistant or paralegal positions offer valuable experience in research, writing, and understanding legal processes, which can be beneficial for those interested in pursuing law or policy work.

International Organizations: Entry-level positions with international organizations, such as the United Nations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), may involve research, project coordination, and advocacy on global issues.

Data Analyst/Research Assistant: Political science majors with strong quantitative skills can find entry-level positions as data analysts or research assistants, working for polling firms, consulting companies, or research organizations.

Teaching Assistant/Tutor: Some political science majors choose to work as teaching assistants or tutors, providing support to professors or students in political science courses or related subjects.

Sample Job Titles: Operations Specialist, Mentor Ambassador, Recruitment & Outreach Leader, Home Service Provider, Licensing Specialist, Associate Behavioral Therapist, Paraprofessional, Police Clerk and Typist, Transitional Day Program Case Manager, Case Manager & Program Coordinator, Residential Counselor, Program Specialist, Social Worker, Nutrition Assessment Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, Family Service Coordinator, Learning & Development Manager, Scholar Wellness Advisor, Trauma Intervention Counselor, Case Intake Assistant

Sample Job Sites: American Wells, AmeriCorps, Andre House, ARISE Consulting Inc., Barton Associates Inc, Beacon ABA Services, Beverly School for the deaf, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Catholic Charities, Children’s Service of Roxbury, Dept of Children & Families, Ethos, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Mercer, Mission Grammar School, PeaceCorps, Rockingham County Attorney’s Office, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, Horizons for Homeless Children, Interfaith Social Services; Massachusetts Department of Children and Families

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Contact & Location

Phone
617-735-9930
Address

Leslie Ferrick McCafferty Career Center
WSC 316
400 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

Hours

Monday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm