Industry Insights:
Public Policy, Planning, & Law
If you are interested in making an impact in your community and improving the lives of others this could be an industry for you! A legal career or position in government requires more than a history, law, or political science degree. Folks with strong writing skills, an analytical mind, or interest in a collaborative approach to work can find a place in this industry.
Perform online job search and research the industry
Explore job listings in this industry to learn more about the types of careers available, possible job titles, and the skills, education, and experience required to enter related fields you may be interested in.
Here are some industry career websites & professional association job boards to get you started:
- American Planning Association – Washington Chapter
- Legal Marketing Association
- USA Jobs – Federal Government Hiring Paths
- Government Jobs
- American Society for Public Administration
- American Public Works Association
- National Association of Counties
You can also search for the job titles you discovered in you research, on the major job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor. Visit our Search Online page to learn more.
Visit our events page for events that are “Discovery” themed. These events are low pressure, casual, and meant to help students get insight into a specific field or industry.
EWU’s librarians welcome questions from students and are eager to help you. Call or email with your questions, or stop by the Library and ask if they are available.
Seek on-campus opportunities for networking, experiential learning, and employment
Become engaged with related student clubs, on-campus organizations and their activities:
Visit our events page for events that are “Connect” themed. These events include connecting with employers in the area to learn more about their professions, organizations, and/or available job and internship opportunities. Expect a higher level of preparation including wearing business professional or business casual attire and practicing professionalism. Learn about professional etiquette.
Sample Connect Events:
- Career Fairs
- Professional Power Hours
If you plan on working while taking classes, some on-campus opportunities may involve activities and skills related to this industry. All on-campus jobs and on-campus internships are listed on Handshake. Visit the Student Employment page to get started
Seek off-campus opportunities for networking, information gathering, and experiential learning
To find the opportunities below, we strongly recommend connecting with people and organizations in the fields you’re interested in. This is called networking. To learn more about how to network and where to find networking opportunities, visit our Learn How to Network page.
Ask people that work in the industry if they are willing to answer some questions about their job and experiences. Not sure what questions to ask? Check out our Informational Interview tips.
Ask to follow someone in the industry for a few hours to learn more about what it’s like to spend a day in their job. Need help setting this up? Make an appointment with a career advisor.
Give back to the community while gaining insight and experience. You can find volunteer opportunities through:
If you plan on working while taking classes, look for part-time jobs that have industry related activities and skills. View our Jobs and Internships page for information about job searching.
Sample organizations:
All majors are required to complete a variety of different classes in humanities and fine arts, natural sciences, and social sciences to graduate. Use this opportunity to be curious and try classes in different areas to learn more about what you are and aren’t interested in.
Another course to try is CRSV 210: Career Development. In this two credit class, Career Services staff will engage you in examining your personal career interests in and outside of the classroom.
Research, apply, and complete an internship to develop skills relevant to the industry
Internships are a great way to experience a field of interest and see if it’s a good fit. Visit the Do an Internship page for more information about how internships work, how to find them, and how to set them up.
Sample internships:
- CRSV 295 Career Exploration Internship
- Washington Legislative Internship Program
- Parks Planning Intern, City of Kennewick
- Juvenile Court Intern, Spokane County
- Cadet Program, EWU Police
