Welcome to the Government, Law, and Public Policy career advising page! Wellesley's rigorous liberal arts curriculum prepares students and graduates to make a difference in the world, equipped with a skill set that is especially relevant in these industries. Careers in these areas require that individuals understand historical context, exhibit critical thinking, and display passion for service — whether it be in an NGO, a think tank, government agency, or the private sector. These industries are often intertwined. For example, a student exploring a career in law may contemplate a career in international development or the Foreign Service. Given the overlap, it is important to define your personal interests and explore how they align with careers in this space to identify what fulfills you most.
Students and graduates are encouraged to get started by exploring the resources below and scheduling an appointment in Handshake to meet with Nicole Park (Career Advisor for Government, Law, and Public Policy)
Law Resources
Is law school right for you? Explore the resources and videos below to learn more about careers in law and applying to law school.
Appointments can be scheduled in Handshake for Mon–Fri.
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Update your Career Interests in Handshake to sign up for Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy emails! You'll learn about events, discover opportunities, hear alumnae stories, and more.
Law School Acceptance Rate
83%
83% of Wellesley applicants are accepted to at least one law school (based on 5-year data from 2015–2020)
“A strong Davis Projects for Peace proposal is always one that is grounded in a real knowledge of and investment in a community, providing a foundation that gives the student both inspiration and credibility as she strives to make real change.”
- Savitri Restrepo Alvarez ’16, International Relations and Political Science
“Throughout my four years at Wellesley, I have come to understand that a deeper understanding of China’s role in global issues is crucial to foster cooperation globally.”
- Savitri Restrepo Alvarez ’16, International Relations and Political Science
Regardless of where you are in your career — whether you are unsure where to begin or you are preparing for a final round interview — conducting research can help you learn more about and prepare for potential career opportunities. There are many ways to gather information when you’re in the beginning stages of exploring your options, including career research and networking. In this resource, you’ll find ideas and general resources to get started.
Eligible: Wellesley first-years, sophomores, or juniors in any field who are U.S. citizens planning study abroad during the following academic year. Graduating seniors who are applying to U.S.-based graduate programs could apply for the Boren Fellowship.
Travel, Undergraduate, Postgraduate
The Boren Scholarships and Fellowships support the study abroad of less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Middle East.
You don't have to go it alone: drop in to Fellowship Pop-Up Advising (see Events listings on this website), or talk things over with Kate Dailinger or Caitlin Roberts-Donovan at Career Education by booking an appointment via Handshake to talk via telephone or video.
Eligible: graduating seniors and alumnae in any field from any country.
Research/Gradschool, Postgraduate, International Student, Travel
Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research open to graduating seniors and Wellesley graduates (from any country and in any field of study). Two awards (the Schimke and the Shackford) are open to women graduates of any American institution of higher education. Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate/professional school for the following academic year; there is a single common application process for most of these awards. Please note that the common application will go live in the fall (...
Wellesley College offers a number of fellowships and scholarships for graduate study or research open to Wellesley seniors and graduates. Two awards are open to women graduates of any American institution (the Schimke and the Shackford). Awards are usually made to applicants currently enrolled in or applying to graduate/professional school for the following academic year; there is a single common application process for most of these awards, and the campus deadline is typically in January.
